California Republicans Brace for Potential Loss of Five House Seats in November Redistricting Vote

California Republicans are facing a critical threat from Proposition 50, a ballot measure backed by Governor Gavin Newsom that would redraw congressional districts and likely cost the GOP up to five House seats in the state, where they currently hold nine of 52 districts. The measure is viewed by many Republicans as a potential 'extinction level event' that could wipe out their influence in California, a state where the GOP already struggles with voter registration and statewide office wins. This redistricting battle is partly a response to Republican-led redistricting efforts in Texas, which President Trump supported to gain congressional advantages, prompting Democrats in California to push back with Proposition 50. Despite internal divisions, California Republicans have rallied around opposing the measure, uniting for survival and framing the fight as critical to maintaining any political relevance. However, some GOP leaders express frustration with party leadership's lack of proactivity against mid-decade redistricting, while Democrats see the initiative as a key part of their strategy to secure congressional control during President Trump's last two years in office. Polling indicates the measure has majority support but also vulnerabilities that Republicans hope to exploit in the upcoming November special election.