California's Proposition 50 Campaigns Exceed $41 Million Amidst Contentious Redistricting Debate

California voters are set to decide on Proposition 50 in a special election on November 4, 2025, a measure that seeks to temporarily alter the state's congressional district mapping process. The ballot initiative, officially known as the Use of Legislative Congressional Redistricting Map Amendment, has ignited a fervent debate, drawing sharp criticism from various groups. One notable voice, "Cartel California 🇺🇸" on X (formerly Twitter), urged voters to "Vote No On Prop-50! 💯💯🔥🔥🔥" and directly addressed Governor Gavin Newsom and the Governor's Press Office, stating:

"Listen to the people California. Not democrats. Vote No On Prop-50! 💯💯🔥🔥🔥@GavinNewsom @GovPressOffice"

Proposition 50 proposes replacing the current congressional district maps, drawn by the independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission, with new maps drawn by the state legislature. This legislative shift would be temporary, intended to be in effect for the 2026 to 2030 elections, after which the independent commission would resume its role following the 2030 U.S. Census. The measure was introduced following Texas's mid-decade redistricting, which California Governor Gavin Newsom characterized as a partisan move.

Supporters, led by Governor Newsom, argue that Proposition 50 is a necessary countermeasure to partisan gerrymandering in other states, aiming to protect California's representation in Congress. Prominent figures such as former President Barack Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, and various Democratic officials have publicly endorsed the measure. They contend that this "Election Rigging Response Act" is crucial to offset potential partisan gains by other states and ensure fair representation for Californians. The California Democratic Party and several labor unions, including the California AFL-CIO, have also thrown their support behind the proposition.

Opposition to Proposition 50 comes primarily from Republican lawmakers and groups, who denounce it as a "Sacramento power grab" that undermines the state's independent redistricting commission. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and prominent donor Charles T. Munger Jr., who were instrumental in establishing the independent commission, are leading the "Protect Voters First" campaign against the measure. They argue that returning redistricting power to the legislature, even temporarily, compromises the integrity of the electoral process and could lead to partisan gerrymandering within California. Legal challenges filed by Republican state legislators against the measure have been rejected by the California Supreme Court.

The campaign surrounding Proposition 50 has seen significant financial investment, with combined contributions topping $41.4 million as of early September 2025. Supporters have raised $21.3 million, largely from the Governor Newsom’s Ballot Measure Committee, with the House Majority PAC and the California Teachers Association among the top donors. Opponents have amassed $20.1 million, with a substantial portion, $20.1 million, contributed by Charles T. Munger Jr. This level of funding surpasses the combined total of previous initiatives related to the Citizens Redistricting Commission.