California Debates Prop 50 Redistricting with DOJ Election Monitoring

California voters are participating in a special election on Proposition 50, a measure aimed at redrawing the state's congressional districts to potentially increase Democratic representation, while the Justice Department is sending monitors to select polling sites amid GOP concerns of election irregularities. The measure, initiated by Governor Gavin Newsom, is seen as a counter to recent partisan redistricting in states like Texas that benefited Republicans, but it faces strong opposition from California Republicans and some national GOP figures. President Trump, despite initially pledging to fight the measure through lawsuits and criticizing early and mail-in voting in California, has largely remained silent on the redistricting battle, prioritizing issues like crime and immigration instead. Meanwhile, Florida is also considering mid-decade redistricting to maintain Republican control, despite opposition from voting rights advocates who argue such efforts undermine public trust. The redistricting debate reflects a broader national conflict over gerrymandering and electoral control ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with both parties using it as a strategic tool to influence congressional representation. This ongoing conflict features divergent perspectives within the GOP and highlights tensions between state and federal approaches to election integrity and partisan advantage.