Overview
- Gov. Gavin Newsom rallied caregivers at United Domestic Workers’ headquarters in San Diego, framing a Yes vote as protecting fair elections and California’s voice in Congress.
- Republicans led by Rep. Doug LaMalfa condemned the proposal as a partisan power grab that weakens rural representation, highlighting Modoc County as a chief example.
- Recent reporting and polls point to likely passage, with the pro‑Prop. 50 effort so well funded that Newsom asked small donors to stop contributing as the opposition scaled back.
- Ground efforts intensified in rural and competitive areas, while Kern County reported 16.8% of ballots returned as of Thursday and warned Election Day mail could go uncounted due to USPS changes, urging drop‑offs.
- Analysts say new lines could shrink the number of toss‑up districts and put contests like Rep. Darrell Issa’s 48th in sharper focus before redistricting reverts to the citizens commission after the 2030 census.