California Voters Approve Prop 50
Measure backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom shifts redistricting power to lawmakers and reshapes congressional maps ahead of 2026.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California voters have approved Proposition 50, a sweeping redistricting measure that transfers the authority to draw congressional maps from the state’s independent citizens’ commission back to the state legislature, according to projections from CNN and CBS News.
The measure, backed by Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic legislative leaders, is expected to strengthen Democrats’ hold on California’s congressional delegation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, altering at least five U.S. House districts currently held by Republicans.
Supporters argue the move restores accountability and balances against Republican-led redistricting in other states. Critics say it dismantles voter-approved reforms and opens the door to partisan gerrymandering.
Projected U.S. House districts under Proposition 50 show significant shifts in political balance across California. Northern and inland regions traditionally aligned with Republicans will now share representation with Democratic-leaning districts along the North Coast and Bay Area. Map: Nicki Camberg/Get the Facts Data Team
A New Front in the National Redistricting Battle
The passage of Prop 50 comes amid a national wave of redistricting fights. After Texas Republicans redrew their maps to favor GOP candidates, Newsom and California Democrats framed their effort as a necessary response — a way to “fight fire with fire” and prevent what they described as structural disadvantages in the U.S. House.
“This was about fairness,” Newsom said during the campaign. “When other states manipulate their maps to silence California’s influence, we have a duty to act.”
The measure’s approval marks a significant personal victory for Newsom, who is term-limited and seen by many as a likely contender for a 2028 presidential run. His campaign committee raised more than $100 million, outspending opponents by a wide margin.
Divided Opposition
Opposition to Prop 50 came largely from prominent Republican figures and political reform advocates, including Charles Munger Jr., former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Munger, who helped create California’s independent redistricting commission in 2008, personally contributed more than $30 million to fight the measure.
“For what looms for the people of California, I am saddened by the passage of Proposition 50,” Munger said in a statement. “Our campaign at least gave voters a chance to understand what’s at stake when politicians are allowed to draw their own maps.”
Schwarzenegger, who championed redistricting reform during his tenure, urged voters to “terminate gerrymandering,” while McCarthy led efforts to mobilize GOP voters against the initiative — though fundraising fell short of expectations.
Political and Legal Implications
Prop 50’s passage effectively dismantles the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, which was created to remove political influence from mapmaking. That model had been praised nationally as a standard for fair and transparent redistricting.
Under the new framework, state lawmakers will draw new congressional maps, likely redrawing at least five districts to be more favorable to Democrats. Analysts say the changes could help offset GOP gains made through redistricting in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina.
However, the measure may face legal challenges from reform groups who argue that it undermines previously voter-approved initiatives protecting nonpartisan oversight.
A Political Turning Point
Prop 50 is being viewed not only as a shift in California’s governance but as a key move in a broader national struggle over political power and representation. With its passage, California joins the ranks of states actively reshaping their congressional lines to influence the national balance of the U.S. House.
While supporters celebrated the win as a defense of democracy, opponents warned it could erode trust in future elections.
“California voters have just given up one of the best reforms in state history,” said a former member of the redistricting commission. “This is a step backward for transparency.”
The new maps will remain in place through 2030, likely affecting congressional representation — and political dynamics — for the rest of the decade.