California Voters Decide on Prop 50 to Temporarily Redraw Congressional Districts Favoring Democrats

California voters will decide on Proposition 50 in a special election on November 4, a measure aiming to redraw congressional districts to favor Democrats and counteract Republican-leaning redistricting efforts in Texas. This proposed redistricting would temporarily override the state's independent redistricting commission until 2030, potentially shifting 4 to 5 Republican-held seats to Democratic control in the 2026 midterms. Democrats support the measure as a way to protect Californians from adverse actions by the Trump administration, including cuts to public education and Medicaid, while Republicans oppose it, citing a loss of power to the legislature and undermining voter will. Latino voters, a key swing group in the election, are targeted with competing messages from both sides, focusing on issues like immigration raids and the cost of living. Critics argue that this marks a departure from California's commitment to nonpartisan redistricting established in 2008. The outcome of Proposition 50 could significantly impact California's political landscape and influence redistricting battles in other states favoring Republicans.