Charles Munger Jr. Donates $10 Million to Oppose California Redistricting Measure

California's November ballot is seeing a significant influx of campaign funds, with a notable $10 million contribution from independent redistricting advocate Charles Munger Jr. The donation targets an effort to redraw the state's congressional districts, as reported in state campaign finance disclosures. The tweet by "Seema" highlighted this development, stating, "Millions of dollars, notably $10 million from Munger, flow into redistricting battle on the November ballot."

Munger, a prominent Republican donor and the son of Berkshire Hathaway's vice-chairman Charles Munger Sr., has a long history with California's redistricting landscape. He was a key financial backer of the 2010 ballot measure that established the independent commission responsible for drawing congressional districts, contributing over $12 million to that effort. His current donation supports the "No on Prop. 50 - Protect Voters First" campaign, aiming to defend the reforms he previously championed.

The proposed measure, referred to by proponents as "Yes on 50: the Election Rigging Response Act," seeks to replace the districts drawn by the 2021 independent commission. This move is largely seen as an attempt by California Democrats to increase the number of Democratic representatives in Congress, countering similar efforts by Texas Republicans and former President Donald Trump. A spokesperson for the "No on Prop. 50" campaign, Amy Thoma, stated that Charles Munger Jr. is "making good on his promise to defend the reforms he passed."

Conversely, Hannah Milgrom, a spokesperson for the "Yes on 50" campaign, accused Munger of attempting to bolster the Republican party under the guise of independent redistricting. Milgrom asserted that the measure is "America’s best chance to fight back" against what she described as efforts to rig the 2026 midterm elections. The campaign supporting the redrawing of boundaries has also secured substantial funding, including $1 million from SEIU’s state council and significant contributions from the House Majority PAC and Governor Gavin Newsom’s reelection campaign.

Redistricting typically occurs once a decade following the U.S. census. However, the current special election to redraw districts comes in response to perceived partisan gerrymandering in other states. The financial commitments from both sides underscore the high stakes of this ballot initiative, which could significantly impact the balance of power in the upcoming congressional elections.