Overview
- Gov. Gavin Newsom led an intensive final‑week push with rallies and union mobilization, joined by high‑profile Democrats including Kamala Harris and Barack Obama’s closing ad.
- Early vote trackers reported nearly 6 million ballots returned ahead of the Nov. 4 special election, with multiple surveys showing the measure leading by wide margins.
- The “Yes on 50” campaign massively outraised opponents, with roughly $97 million raised versus about $42 million for the “No” effort, according to CalMatters reporting.
- If approved, analysts say the maps could net Democrats up to five additional seats and endanger GOP incumbents Kevin Kiley, Doug LaMalfa, Darrell Issa, Ken Calvert and David Valadao.
- The Trump administration dispatched federal election monitors to California, the state pledged its own observers, and both sides anticipate legal and political fights after the vote.