Overview
- Proposition 50 would temporarily shift congressional redistricting from California’s independent commission to the Legislature for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections, with authority returning to the commission after the next census.
- Supporters project the maps could tilt up to five Republican-held seats toward Democrats, a change that could influence control of the U.S. House, which now stands at 219–213 with three vacancies.
- More than 5.7–6.6 million ballots were reported returned before Election Day, with the first semi‑official results set to post shortly after polls close at 8 p.m.
- Counting and certification will extend for weeks: mail ballots postmarked Nov. 4 can arrive by Nov. 12, voters can cure signature issues until Nov. 30, counties certify no earlier than 28 days after Election Day, and statewide certification is due by Dec. 12.
- Backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and national Democrats and opposed by Republicans and donors such as Charles T. Munger Jr., the campaign has drawn more than $250 million, and analysts note potential impacts on Reps. Kevin Kiley, Darrell Issa, Doug LaMalfa, David Valadao and Ken Calvert; legal challenges are expected if it passes.