SAN FRANCISCO — On Nov. 4, California voters will decide on Proposition 50, which would change the state’s congressional maps mid-decade.
It’s a statewide election with national implications.
How the Golden State votes will likely impact which party retains control of Congress in 2026 and how Californians are represented in the nation’s capital.
How did we get here?
Prop 50 is part of a larger national election battle.
Republicans and Democrats are attempting to gerrymander, or redraw, congressional districts to influence the outcome of next year’s midterm elections and determine which party will control the U.S. House of Representatives.
The battle began when President Donald Trump asked Republican states, like Texas, to do exactly that.
In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a plan to bolster Democrats, which led to a special election being called and Prop 50 being placed on the ballot.
What will Prop 50 do?
If Prop 50 passes, California’s congressional districts would be changed for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections, temporarily overruling the state’s independent redistricting commission, which would draw new maps after the 2030 census.
If the yes side prevails, the redrawn maps would change the boundaries of several districts, but in particular, five districts where Republicans are currently in power.
The redrawn maps would include more registered Democratic voters than previously, in theory making it harder for Republicans to retain power and more likely for Democrats to pick up new seats in Congress.
This would counter the move by Texas, which is doing the same thing, but targeting five Democrats currently in office.
What are the experts saying?
ABC7 News insider Phil Matier said the outcome is not guaranteed and that Democrats alone may not be able to push Prop 50 over the finish line.
“Even if every Democrat in the state voted for this, you’d still be short,” Matier said. “They’re going to need to bring in independents and some Republicans in order to get this over the line.”
ABC News California Special Presentation on Proposition 50
The ABC News stations in California have been covering this issue for months.
We’ve compiled a number of our best and most in-depth reports into a 30-minute streaming special that breaks down all the angles.
Stream it on demand wherever you stream ABC News content in California.
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Niko Travis is a dedicated health writer with a passion for providing clear, reliable, and research-backed information about medications and mental health. As the author behind TrazodoneSUC, Niko simplifies complex medical topics to help readers understand the benefits, uses, and potential risks of Trazodone. With a commitment to accuracy and well-being, Niko ensures that every article empowers readers to make informed decisions about their health.
