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Use of Legislative Congressional Redistricting Map Amendment | ||
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California Proposition 50, officially known as the Use of Legislative Congressional Redistricting Map Amendment, and also known as the Election Rigging Response Act, is a legislatively referred constitutional amendment that will appear on the special election ballot in the U.S. state of California on November 4, 2025, in response to the Republican-favoring, gerrymandered Texas proposed redistricting. If passed, Democratic-favoring gerrymandered congressional districts will be used from the 2026 to 2030 elections instead of the ones drawn by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission.[1]
Background
[edit]| External image | |
|---|---|
 Proposed congressional map, California State Assembly |
In June 2025, Republican lawmakers in Texas first proposed gerrymandering the state's congressional district lines to favor Republicans.[2] In July, Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas, called a special session of the Texas Legislature to discuss redistricting.[3] Texas Democrats in the state House of Representatives fled the state in an effort to break quorum and stall the redistricting effort.[4]
Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, first proposed that California could gerrymander its own maps to favor Democrats in an effort to offset potential gains from Texas's gerrymandering.[5] The California Citizens Redistricting Commission is an independent body that currently handles redistricting in the state. The commission was first established by 2008 California Proposition 11 and was then given the power to redraw congressional districts by 2010 California Proposition 20. Newsom proposed that a special election be called to temporarily pause the commission and return redistricting power to the California Legislature until the end of the decade.[6] On August 11, 2025, he sent a letter to Donald Trump, stating that California would pause any mid-decade redistricting effort if other states called off their efforts.[7] Two days later, Newsom announced that the deadline had passed and he would move forward with his own redistricting effort.[8]
The proposed map is expected to target five seats currently held by Republicans.[9]
Legislative history
[edit]The legislation, numbered SB-280, was introduced on August 18,[a] and a legislative vote occurred in both chambers on August 21. A two-thirds majority was needed to place the measure on the ballot.[12][13] The California State Assembly approved the bill by a vote of 57 to 20 and the California State Senate approved it hours later by a vote of 30 to 8.[14][b] Governor Newsom signed it into law later in the day.[16]
Campaign
[edit]Support for the measure is expected to be highly partisan, with supporters of the measure likely being members of the Democratic Party, while those in opposition are expected to be members of the Republican Party.[17]
Support
[edit]The ballot measure was proposed by Governor Newsom, who has emerged as its most vocal champion.[18][1] Other prominent supporters include former President Barack Obama,[19] former Vice President Kamala Harris,[20] U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff,[21] and the California AFL-CIO.[22] Several Members of Congress whose districts would be redrawn in Proposition 50 is approved have also expressed their support for the measure, including Representatives Pete Aguilar and Zoe Lofgren.[23]
Opposition
[edit]Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy plans to raise $100 million to fight against the proposition. Immediate past chair of the California Republican Party, Jessica Millan Patterson, was tapped to lead the opposition campaign.[24] Arnold Schwarzenegger, who served as the most recent Republican Governor of California from 2003 to 2011 and played a significant role in bringing about the state's current redistricting commission, is an opponent of the proposal.[25][26] Democratic State Assembly member Jasmeet Bains, who is running against incumbent Republican Congressman David Valadao in 2026, also came out in opposition to the proposal prior to its passage.[27]
Impact
[edit]If approved by voters, new congressional maps would be enacted prior to the 2026 United States House of Representatives elections.[28] The new maps would last through 2030, after which the state commission would draw up a new map to adjust district lines after the decennial U.S. Census.
Endorsements
[edit]- Federal officials
- Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States (2009–2017) (Democrat)[19]
- Kamala Harris, 49th Vice President of the United States (2021–2025) (Democrat)[20]
- Eric Holder, United States Attorney General (2009–2015) (Democrat)[29]
- U.S. senators
- Cory Booker, New Jersey (2013–present) (Democrat)[30]
- Alex Padilla, California (2021–present) (Democrat)[21]
- Adam Schiff, California (2024–present) (Democrat)[21]
- U.S. representatives
- Pete Aguilar, CA-33 (2023–present), CA-23 (2013–2023), CA-22 (2007–2013) (Democrat)[23]
- Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader (2023–present), NY-8 (2013–present) (Democrat)[30]
- Zoe Lofgren, CA-18 (2023–present), CA-19 (2013–2023), CA-16 (1995–2023) (Democrat)[23]
- Statewide officials
- Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (2019–present) (Democrat)[31]
- Rob Bonta, Attorney General of California (2021–present) (Democrat)[32]
- State senators
- Sabrina Cervantes, California's 31st district (Democrat)[21]
- State representatives
- Isaac Bryan, California's 55th district (Democrat)[21]
- Nicole Collier, Texas's 95th district (Democrat)[30]
- Party officials
- Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee (2025–present) (Democrat)[30]
- Individuals
- Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Federation (2022–present) (Democrat)[21]
- David Huerta, trade union leader[21]
- Political parties
- Organizations
- U.S. representatives
- Mike Johnson, 56th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (2023–present), LA-4 (2017–present) (Republican)[30]
- Young Kim, CA-40 (2023–present), CA-39 (2021–2023) (Republican)[39]
- Kevin McCarthy, 55th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (2023), CA-20 (2023), CA-23 (2013–2023), CA-22 (2007–2013) (Republican)[24]
- Statewide officials
- Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California (2003–2011) (Republican)[25]
- State representatives
- Jasmeet Bains, California's 35th district (Democrat)[27]
Polling
[edit]| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Phrasing | Support | Oppose | Unsure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berkeley IGS[40][41] | August 11–17, 2025 | 4,950 (RV) | ± 1.5% | "Suppose a statewide ballot measure to change the way California Congressional District lines are drawn was put before voters in a special election later this year. The measure would ask voters to allow the state to temporarily replace the Congressional district lines drawn by the state's independent citizens commission after the last census in 2020 for use in next year's elections, if Texas goes forward with its own partisan mid-term redistricting plan. The measure would also return the authority to redraw California's Congressional district lines to the state's independent citizens commission for the next census in 2030. If you were voting today, would you vote YES or NO on this proposed ballot measure?" | 48% | 32% | 20% |
| David Binder Research (D)[42][A] | August 10–14, 2025 | 1,000 (LV) | ± 3.0% | Question phrasing not available, described in Axios as: "Proposition 50 allows new maps to be designed on a temporary basis, triggered by partisan action in other state such as Texas, and retains the independent redistricting commission". | 57% | 35% | 8% |
| Citrin Center/Possibility Lab/Politico[43][44] | July 28 – August 12, 2025 | 1,445 (RV) | ± 2.6% | "In both 2008 and 2010, California voters passed initiatives to give an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission the power to draw the state's legislative and congressional districts, in order to reduce the influence of politicians. Governor Newsom has suggested returning congressional line drawing authority back to the Legislature, citing concerns that redistricting efforts in Republican states would give them a partisan advantage." | 36%[d] | 64%[e] | – |
| Emerson College[45] | August 4–5, 2025 | 1,000 (RV) | ± 3.0% | "Do you support or oppose the proposal to redraw California's congressional map ahead of the 2026 Midterm Elections?" | 33.2% | 24.9% | 42.0% |
Notes
[edit]- ^ A bill numbered SB-280 was introduced February 5, 2025. On August 18 the content of the original bill was removed and replaced with the bill as passed into law (with very minor modifications).[10][11]
- ^ In the State Assembly, all 57 votes for the bill were from Democrats with all Republicans voted against, joined by one Democrat, Jasmeet Bains. Two Democrats, Dawn Addis and Alex Lee did not cast a vote.
In the State Senate, two Republicans (Marie Alvarado-Gil and Kelly Seyarto) did not cast a vote. All other state senators voted along party line with Democrats voting for the bill, and Republicans voting against the bill.[15] - ^ Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear - ^ Phrased as "support returning congressional redistricting authority to state legislators"
- ^ Phrased as "support keeping the independent redistricting commission"
Partisan clients
- ^ Poll sponsored by Gavin Newsom
References
[edit]- ^ a b White, Jeremy; Schultheis, Emily. "'We can't stand back' — Gavin Newsom launches California gerrymander campaign". Politico. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Dahlkamp, Owen (July 22, 2025). "Texas Republicans, including Gov. Abbott, were reluctant to redraw the state's congressional maps. Then Trump got involved". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Goodman, J. David; Goldmacher, Shane (July 9, 2025). "Abbott Asks Lawmakers to Redraw Texas' Congressional Maps in Special Session". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 23, 2025. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
- ^ Guo, Kayla; Klibanoff, Eleanor (August 3, 2025). "Texas House Democrats flee the state in bid to block GOP's proposed congressional map". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Dahlkamp, Owen (July 3, 2025). "House Democrats, California leaders weigh tit-for-tat redistricting if Texas Republicans redraw maps". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Koseff, Alexei (July 25, 2025). "Newsom ramps up California redistricting threat as Texas weighs new Republican maps". Cal Matters. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ "Newsom says in letter to Trump California will back off redistricting — if red states do". San Francisco Chronicle. August 11, 2025. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Oppenheim, Oren (August 13, 2025). "Newsom says California to draw congressional maps to 'END TRUMP PRESIDENCY'". ABC News. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Zavala, Ashley (August 9, 2025). "California's redistricting plan will officially target five Republican seats, Democratic leader confirms". KCRA. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ "Difference between the version of the bill as introduced on February 5 vs. the bill as signed into law".
- ^ "Difference between the version of the bill as amended on August 18 vs. the bill as signed into law".
- ^ Riquelmy, Alan (August 15, 2025). "California Dems tee up redistricting legislation with proposed maps". Courthouse News Service. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Newsom on introduction of 'Election Rigging Response Act' Legislative Package". Governor of California. August 18, 2025. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
- ^ Miller, Maya; Kuang, Jeanne (August 21, 2025). "Gavin Newsom's redistricting plan is on its way to voters. What you need to know". CalMatters. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
- ^ "SB-280 Legislative Information: Roll call votes".
- ^ "California Gov. Newsom signs legislation calling special election on redrawn congressional map". AP News. August 21, 2025. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
- ^ Blood, Michael; Nguyen, Tran (August 14, 2025). "California moving forward with partisan redistricting effort to counter Texas' move". ABC7. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Zavala, Gerardo (July 28, 2025). "Governor Gavin Newsom says California must counter GOP efforts to redraw congressional maps". CapRadio. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
- ^ a b "Obama applauds Newsom's California redistricting plan as 'responsible' as Texas GOP pushes new maps". AP News. August 20, 2025. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
- ^ a b Jones, Blake; Gardiner, Dustin (August 18, 2025). "Kamala Harris is 'proud' of redistricting play". Politico. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g Russell, Lia (August 14, 2025). "Gavin Newsom launches official redistricting campaign: 'Wake up, America'". The Sacramento Bee. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ a b "California Labor Federation Endorses Special Election to Reset Congressional Lines in California". California Federation of Labor Unions. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c Lavala, Ashley (August 15, 2025). "California's redistricting push: Everything we know". KRCA. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
- ^ a b Jones, Blake (August 15, 2025). "Kevin McCarthy reemerges to fight California redistricting". Politico. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ a b Bluth, Rachel (August 15, 2025). "It's Arnold vs. Gavin: Schwarzenegger vows to 'terminate' gerrymandering". POLITICO. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
- ^ Rosenhall, Laurel (August 15, 2025). "Newsom's Gerrymander of California Has a Formidable Foe: Schwarzenegger". The New York Times. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
- ^ a b Zavala, Ashley (August 18, 2025). "California's legislative leaders could secure their seats in Congress with approval of new maps". KCRA. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
In response, Bains sent a statement indicating the redistricting plan is not something she will support.
- ^ Korecki, Natasha; Kamisar, Ben (August 14, 2025). "Gov. Gavin Newsom calls for a special election to allow for a new congressional map in California". NBC News. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ "California governor calls for a special election to introduce new US House maps – live". The Guardian. August 14, 2025. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Vakil, Caroline (August 20, 2025). "Newsom, Booker rally support for California redistricting on DNC call". The Hill. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
- ^ "Gov. Gavin Newsom kicks off California's redistricting efforts". Los Angeles Daily News. August 14, 2025. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ "Chabria: Newsom vows Texas will be 'neutered' by California. Will voters let him do it?". MSN. August 6, 2025. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
- ^ "CADEM Votes to Endorse Prop 50, The Election Rigging Response Act". California Democratic Party. August 23, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
- ^ "314 Action Fund Announces $1 Million Campaign to Support California Redistricting Efforts and Flip The House". 314 Action. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ^ a b "Your first look inside Newsom's campaign-in-waiting". Politico. August 19, 2025. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
- ^ "DNC Chair Ken Martin on CA Governor Gavin Newsom and California Dems Fighting Back Against Donald Trump Rigging Congressional Maps". Democrats. August 14, 2025. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Alba, Monica; Marquez, Alexandra; Richards, Zoe (August 20, 2025). "'A responsible approach': Obama backs California's response to Texas redistricting". NBC News. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Newsom launches statewide response to Trump rigging Texas' elections". Governor of California. August 14, 2025. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ Haskell, Josh (August 19, 2025). "SoCal Rep. Young Kim calls California redistricting plan a 'Sacramento power grab'". ABC7 Los Angeles. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
- ^ Gutierrez, Melody; Nelson, Laura J. (August 22, 2025). "Love it or hate it? Poll shows how Californians feel about Newsom's redistricting fight with Trump". Sacramento: Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ DiCamillo, Mark (August 22, 2025). "Californians initially back Governor Newsom's proposed redistricting ballot measure 48% to 32%, but many voters are undecided". UC Berkeley, Institute of Governmental Studies. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ^ Thompson, Alex (August 20, 2025). "Exclusive: Newsom pollster sees big support for California redistricting". Axios. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ^ Mason, Melanie (August 14, 2025). "Poll: California voters back independent congressional maps, complicating Gavin Newsom's redistricting push". Politico. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ^ "Citrin Center / Possibility Lab / POLITICO – Summer Policy Survey". Politico. August 14, 2025. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ^ "California 2026 Poll: Porter, Hilton Lead in Race for Governor; Plurality Undecided". Emerson College Polling. August 8, 2025. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
Further reading
[edit]- "California Proposition 50, Use of Legislative Congressional Redistricting Map Amendment (2025)" Ballotpedia (2025) online
- Rosenhall, Laurel. "Newsom Signs California Redistricting Plan to Counter Texas Republicans" New York Times August 21, 2025 online