1:07A poster backing Proposition 50, designed to counteract Republican-led map alterations in Texas by reshaping California’s electoral districts to benefit Democrats, is displayed in a suburban area of Encinitas, Calif., Sept. 29, 2025.Mike Blake/Reuters, FILE
Californian voters have given the go-ahead to Proposition 50, a referendum to institute an updated congressional map that realigns five districts toward a more Democratic advantage, according to ABC News projections.
Advocated by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, this measure seeks to balance out the consequences of President Donald Trump's actions in Texas to add five Republican-held seats to Congress, as Republicans strive to preserve their majority in the U.S. House prior to the 2026 midterm elections.
A sign supporting Proposition 50, aimed at countering Republican-led redistricting in Texas by redrawing California’s congressional map to favor Democrats, is shown in a residential neighborhood in Encinitas, Calif., Sept. 29, 2025.Mike Blake/Reuters, FILE
California and Texas are only two of the states that have been central to the intense contest for control of the House in 2026, as more states nationwide are considering revising their congressional districts mid-decade to strengthen their party’s influence in Washington. Consequently, redistricting initiatives like the one in California have attracted nationwide awareness, drawing opinions from figures like former President Barack Obama, who supports Proposition 50, and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who opposes the measure.
Many millions of dollars have been invested into the competition from both political persuasions, as Newsom is attempting to present the fight as a struggle to protect democracy from Trump, while Republicans are aiming to characterize it as a power grab by Democrats.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
