If Californians don’t act now, Donald Trump will seize total power for two more years.
The Election Rigging Response Act
Donald Trump and Texas Republicans are making an unprecedented power grab to steal congressional seats and rig the 2026 election before voting even begins.
This Election Rigging Response Act (Proposition 50) would draw fair maps that represent California’s diverse communities and ensure our voices aren’t silenced by Republican gerrymandering in other states.
Redistricting Map
View an interactive map from the California State Assembly website to see the proposed maps.
The city of Lincoln would be moved into Congressional District 4 from our current Congressional District 3.
Learn More
California has a duty to defend democracy. To do that, we can’t unilaterally disarm or fight with both hands tied behind our backs. When Trump tries to rig elections, we must fight back with every legal tool available. Learn more.
FAQ: California’s Emergency Redistricting Plan "Election Rigging Response Act"
Q: Why is Governor Newsom proposing a redistricting ballot measure?
A: To counter Republican-led gerrymandering efforts — especially in Texas — aimed at gaining House seats before 2026. Newsom’s plan allows California to adjust its maps if GOP states rig theirs.
Q: What’s the emergency?
A: Donald Trump and Texas Republicans are making an unprecedented power grab to steal congressional seats and rig the 2026 election before voting even begins. Other Republican states are following suit.
Q: Why does California have a duty to act?
A: California has a duty to defend democracy. We can’t unilaterally disarm or fight with both hands tied behind our backs. This is democracy’s best bet against partisan power grabs. Redistricting could be the difference between checking Trump’s power or handing him a blank check.
About the Redistricting Act
Q: What does the measure propose?
A: The Election Rigging Response Act would:
- Level the playing field, ensuring the 2026 mid‑term elections are conducted on a level playing field without an unfair advantage for Republicans.
- Give voters the power to approve emergency congressional maps by special election.
- Be fair and proportional — maps counter Republican gerrymandering like Texas as they move forward with their power grab.
- Be temporary, with maps expiring in 2030, while reaffirming the California Citizens Redistricting Commission’s authority post‑2030 census.
Q: Who supports the plan?
A: Leading supporters include:
- Governor Gavin Newsom
- U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff
- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries
- Speaker Nancy Pelosi
- California Labor Federation, California Teachers Association, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, SEIU California
Q: What’s the timeline and process?
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Voters decide on November 4 (special election).
- If passed, emergency maps apply for 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections.
Q: What can I do?
- Spread the word
- Support the campaign
- Vote in the November 4 special election
Countering Disinformation
Q: Is it true that Texas is only “rebalancing” it’s congressional seats?
A: No, Texas is not simply rebalancing its congressional seats; it is engaged in a highly unusual mid-decade redistricting effort aimed at increasing Republican power in the U.S. House.
Q: Is it true that the League of Women Voters endorses a No vote on Prop 50?
A: No, The League of Women Voters of California will not take a position on Proposition 50. They will remain neutral.
Q: Will Prop 50 cost the taxpayers more money than the Republican Recall of Gov. Newsom in 2021?
A: No, the recall was more expensive. Expenditure on the 2021 Newsom recall was significantly higher than the reported campaign spending on California's November 2025 ballot measure, Proposition 50. The total cost of the recall, including both taxpayer and campaign funds, was between $328 million and almost half a billion dollars. In contrast, campaign finance reports show Proposition 50 spending at $9.55 million as of August 2025.
Q: Is it true that Democrats have introduced and voted for national Independent redistricting and Republicans voted against it?
A: True with minor exceptions. However in California, Congressman Kiley who is currently advocating for No on Prop 50, appearing to support independent redistricting, actually voted against independent redistricting when he was a member of the State Assembly (See Assembly member Bryan’s bill AB1848 on redistricting in 2022 . You can see the votes here).
Q: Is it true that Texas was forced to do mid-term redistricting because Texas had been sued by the Biden Administration and they were directed to redraw maps?
A: No. In 2021 the Biden administration's DOJ sued Texas for discrimination, over the redistricting plans approved in 2021, following the 2020 census. The suit was dropped shortly after the start of the Trump administration in 2025. This new mid-term redistricting was prompted by Donald Trump in order to give Republicans a greater advantage in the US House of Representatives.
