California Leaders Rally Support for Proposition 50 Ahead of Vote

California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris led a rally in Los Angeles on Saturday, urging support for Proposition 50, a ballot measure that seeks to redraw the state's congressional districts ahead of the midterm elections. Addressing volunteers at the Convention Center, Newsom emphasized the importance of sustained effort through Election Day, stating, "We cannot afford to run the 90-yard dash... We have got to be at peak on Election Day."

Proposition 50 proposes a mid-decade redistricting to increase Democratic representation in Congress, countering Republican-led redistricting efforts in states like Texas. The measure would temporarily replace maps drawn by California's independent Citizens Redistricting Commission with new boundaries favoring Democrats, potentially flipping up to five Republican-held seats. If approved, these districts would be used through the 2030 elections, after which redistricting authority would revert to the independent commission.

Opponents, including Republican Assembly member Diane Dixon, argue that the proposition would disenfranchise Republican voters. Dixon stated, "What Proposition 50 will do is disenfranchise, meaning, disregard all Republicans in the state of California."

The campaign has attracted significant attention and funding, with over $192 million raised by various committees. Polling indicates that 56% of likely voters support the measure.

Former President Barack Obama has also endorsed Proposition 50, appearing in a campaign ad urging Californians to vote in favor to counter Republican efforts to secure more seats nationwide.

As of Friday, more than a quarter of California's 23 million registered voters had cast ballots, with Democrats outpacing Republicans. The special election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025.