Overview

• Proposition 50 would temporarily replace California’s voter‑created commission with legislature‑drawn congressional maps for 2026–2030, with Democrats saying the plan could net about five House seats.
• Roughly $90 million has already flowed into the campaigns, including $30 million from Charles Munger Jr. to oppose, $10 million from George Soros to support, and $5 million from House Majority PAC for the Yes effort.
• Arnold Schwarzenegger publicly urged a No vote, arguing the process lacks transparency, as opponents highlight support from prominent Republicans including former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
• The proposed lines are already reshaping plans: San Diego Democrat Marni von Wilpert says she will challenge Rep. Darrell Issa under the new 48th District, and GOP candidate Kevin Lincoln is weighing a district switch.
• Ballots start reaching voters in two weeks with polling described as tight and many undecided, as Newsom frames the measure as a response to Texas maps pushed by President Trump and Republicans warn of ‘mutually assured destruction,’ with Rep. Kevin Kiley proposing a ban on mid‑decade remaps.