California Democrats Seek Voter Approval for Redistricting Ahead of 2026 Midterms

California is at the center of a high-stakes political battle over Proposition 50, a measure to redraw congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterms. Governor Gavin Newsom and California Democrats argue the redistricting is necessary to protect democracy from President Donald Trump's efforts to influence elections through mid-decade map changes, a strategy already employed by Texas Republicans to favor their party. Both sides have rapidly raised over $10 million shortly after the campaign launch, with total spending expected to exceed $100 million by the November 4 vote. The new district lines proposed in California could flip up to five Republican-held seats, potentially allowing Democrats to regain control of the U.S. House by a margin of just three seats, which would empower them to subpoena Trump and block his agenda during the last two years of his second term. High-profile figures including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kevin McCarthy have become involved, underscoring the national significance of the fight. This redistricting contest exemplifies the broader partisan struggle over congressional control and election integrity in the current political landscape.