California voters have passed the state’s redistricting measure, Proposition 50, paving the way for Democrats to pick up five additional congressional seats in next year’s midterms. The measure, which was introduced to counter Republican redistricting efforts in Texas, was passed by a majority of California voters, early returns indicate.
The effort behind Prop 50 was spearheaded by California Gov. Gavin Newsom who has emerged as one of the most prominent national critics of President Donald Trump. With the bill’s passage, California is now clear to implement a new congressional map for the next three election cycles.
Following the 2030 U.S. Census, California’s independent redistricting commission will resume drawing the state’s congressional maps.
California is one of a number of states nationally that is reshaping congressional voting districts ahead of next year’s midterms. The national battle over partisan gerrymandering was ignited in Texas, following a push from President Trump.
The Republican-controlled state adopted a new map in August that could flip five Democratic-leaning U.S. House seats. California was the second state to make moves. Between the California legislature passing the map back in August and this election, Missouri and North Carolina both adopted new maps. Other states may soon follow.
The outcome of this ballot measure could help determine control of the U.S. House after the 2026 midterms, which will see Republicans try to buck a historical pattern of the president’s party losing seats in midterm elections. The GOP’s margin is slim; Heading into Tuesday’s election, Republicans controlled 219 seats to Democrats’ 213, with three vacancies.
With Prop 50’s passage, Democrats are now poised to control as many as 48 of California’s 52 congressional seats, up from the 43 the party currently holds.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.