Former President Barack Obama and California Governor Gavin Newsom are urging voters in California to support Proposition 50. This ballot initiative aims to replace the current independent redistricting system with congressional maps that could remove several Republican-held congressional districts.
On Tuesday, Governor Newsom shared a video on X, featuring Obama encouraging support for Prop 50 ahead of the state’s special election on November 4.
In the video, Obama stated:
“Californians, we are relying on you. Democracy is at stake on November 4th. Republicans are attempting to manipulate the upcoming election and gain enough congressional seats to maintain unchecked power for another two years. Proposition 50 will create a fairer playing field in our elections, ensure independent districts long-term, and give the decision-making power back to the people. Make sure to return your ballot. Yes on 50.”
This ad reflects Obama’s ongoing support for Newsom’s proposal to change the redistricting system in California. This initiative intends to replace the independent redistricting commission along with maps that emerged from a partisan process in 2008. Notably, a report indicated that while around 40% of voters backed Republican candidates in the last election, the number of Republican-held seats in California could decrease from nine to five.
Obama described Newsom’s approach as “rational and thoughtful,” noting that some states, like Texas, are engaging in gerrymandering to retain power despite unpopularity, while California’s plan aims to tackle a specific issue at this moment in time.
During a fundraiser on Martha’s Vineyard, Obama emphasized that such initiatives would only gain traction if Republican states follow suit, suggesting that without wider engagement, this could stall.
The California Republican Party has filed a lawsuit seeking to block Newsom’s initiative, claiming it is unconstitutional and did not meet the required 30-day public notice. However, the California Supreme Court allowed the initiative to proceed in August, with Newsom indicating he would push the bill through the Legislature quickly.
This special election is projected to cost $250 million and proposes amending the state constitution to allow for mid-decade redistricting. The Democratic National Committee has launched a bilingual outreach campaign targeting Latino voters, with major financial backing from donors like billionaire Tom Steyer for ads supporting Prop 50.
Despite this push, a report suggests a majority of Californians favor retaining the state’s independent redistricting commission. A recent UC Berkeley/Politico poll indicated that 64% of voters prefer the existing system, in contrast to 36% who back the proposed changes.
The redistricting debate in California mirrors broader national tensions, especially following Texas’s new map, which includes five Republican-leaning districts. Obama, alongside former Attorney General Eric Holder and the National Democratic Redistricting Commission, continues to oppose Republican-driven redistricting efforts, labeling them as a serious threat to democracy.
