California DAs Coalition Opposes Proposition 50, Citing Threat to Fair Representation and $300 Million Cost

A bipartisan coalition of 30 elected District Attorneys in California has publicly declared strong opposition to Proposition 50, a ballot measure scheduled for a special election on November 4, 2025. The DAs argue that the proposition, which seeks to temporarily alter congressional district maps, undermines democratic principles and wastes significant public funds.

The core of Proposition 50 involves authorizing the state Legislature to draw new congressional district maps for elections from 2026 through 2030, temporarily overriding the California Citizens Redistricting Commission. This commission, established by voter-approved Propositions 11 (2008) and 20 (2010), is an independent, 14-member body tasked with drawing district lines without political influence. Supporters of Proposition 50, including Governor Gavin Newsom, frame it as a necessary response to partisan gerrymandering in other states like Texas, aiming to "fight fire with fire" and secure more Democratic seats.

The District Attorneys, however, contend that Proposition 50 would reinstate partisan gerrymandering, a process "rejected by Californians" previously. In their statement, they asserted, "Proposition 50 undermines democracy by prioritizing politicians’ power instead of preserving voter-approved reforms that improve community representation." They highlight that the independent commission has "fairly redrawn electoral districts" after the last two censuses, and that Proposition 50 would allow the Legislature to "secretly craft new congressional maps."

A significant point of contention raised by the DAs is the financial burden, stating, "Proposition 50’s special election carries a staggering $300-million price tag." This contrasts with the official voter guide's estimate of "a few million dollars statewide" for updating election materials. Opponents suggest the higher figure may encompass broader campaign spending by proponents. The DAs further criticized this expenditure, noting it could otherwise support "voter-approved Proposition 36’s drug treatment programs," which received nearly 70% public support.

The coalition emphasized the importance of institutional integrity, urging Californians to reject Proposition 50 to protect the democratic process and fair representation. Polls indicate a lead for Proposition 50, with support often driven by a desire to oppose former President Donald Trump and national Republican efforts, despite concerns about the measure's impact on independent redistricting.