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LA WATCHDOG -
AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
In response to Texas' mid-decade partisan congressional redistricting, this measure temporarily requires new congressional district maps, as passed by the Legislature in August 2025, to be used in California's congressional elections through 2030. Retains California's independent Citizens Redistricting Commission and directs the Commission to resume enacting congressional district maps in 2031 after the 2030 census and every ten years thereafter. Establishes state policy supporting use of fair, independent, and nonpartisan redistricting commissions nationwide.
In November, Californians will vote to accept or reject Proposition 50, Governor Newsom’s Election Rigging Response Act that will override the existing map prepared by the voter approved independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. The new map is designed to elect five more Democratic members to the U.S. House of Representatives.
This is in response to the Texas redistricting plan that is expected to yield five more Republican representatives. But this is an effort to counter California’s gerrymandering in 2020 when the Democrats “hijacked” the Citizens Redistricting Commission.
California has 52 members in the House, of which 43 (83%) are Democrats and 9 (17%) are Republicans. This compares to 58% of the votes that Kamala Harris won in the November Presidential election. This implies that the Democrats are overrepresented by 42% when compared to the popular vote in the 2024 Presidential election.
On the other hand, Texas has 38 members of Congress, of which 26 (68%) are Republicans and 12 (32%) are Democrats. Compared to 56% of the vote for Trump, the Republican are overrepresented by 22%, a far cry from the Democrat advantage in California of 42%.
If Texas Republicans were to gain five Representatives by redistricting, their advantage would increase to 45%. But not to be outdone, if California Democrats increase their representation by five seats, reducing the Republicans to only four Congressmembers, the Democrats advantage would increase to almost 60%. And, as a result, we have other states wanting to participate in redistricting.
Newsom has may have valid reasons for wanting to participate in the redistricting arms race, including his Presidential ambitions. But a redistricting tit for tat is a no-win battle for both sides, only eroding what little trust we have in Sacramento and Washington. Rather, Californians should rely on the Citizens Redistricting Commission that was approved by the voters in 2008 and again in 2010.
Vote NO on Proposition 50.
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In 2030, California is expected is expected to lose four seats in Congress while Texas and Florida (28 seats currently) are each expected to pick up four and three seats, respectively. Other blue states will lose nine seats (including five in New York and Illinois) while six red states will each gain a Representative. Overall, the gain of thirteen in red states and a loss of thirteen in blue states will result in a 26-vote swing, benefitting the Republicans.
There are 21 states where all the Representatives are from one party. There are 27 seats in nine states (including 21 from New England) that are controlled by Democrats where Trump received an average of 41% of the vote. There are 30 seats in 12 non-coastal states that are controlled by Republicans where Harris received an average of 37% of the vote.
(Jack Humphreville writes the LA Watchdog column for CityWatch, where he covers city finances, utilities, and accountability at City Hall. He is President of the DWP Advocacy Committee, serves as the Budget and DWP representative for the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council, and is a longtime Neighborhood Council Budget Advocate. With a sharp focus on fiscal responsibility and transparency, Jack brings an informed and independent voice to Los Angeles civic affairs. He can be reached at [email protected].)
