Overview
- Prop. 50 would temporarily replace California’s independent redistricting commission with a legislature-drawn congressional map for 2026–2030, a shift expected to improve Democrats’ prospects for several U.S. House seats before the commission resumes in 2030.
- Recent surveys show a clear advantage for supporters, including UC Berkeley IGS at roughly 60% yes, PPIC at 56%–43%, and a CBS poll at 62% yes, with CBS finding most yes voters cite opposing President Trump as their top motivation.
- More than 6.4 million ballots have already been cast in early voting, a large advance turnout as Republicans were urged by Trump to vote in person on Election Day.
- The Yes on 50 effort vastly outspent opponents with nearly $160 million, while GOP resistance waned late as state leaders scaled back and Charles Munger Jr.’s Protect Voters First PAC slashed weekly outlays from about $4 million to under $300.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom’s campaign broadened his national profile and donor base, drawing over 100,000 first-time contributors—most from outside California and largely small-dollar—and even signaling donors to pause giving after meeting funding goals.