Statewide — Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic lawmakers on Oct. 7 made their case to Black media and state voters in support of Proposition 50, the controversial redistricting measure that would temporarily overturn California’s current independentcongressional map for one decade in favor of a legislature-drawn plan.
Supporters argue the change is needed to counter Republican-led gerrymanders in other states, while opponents say it undercuts the state’s voter-approved redistricting safeguards.
In a coordinated press call, Newsom was joined by U.S. Reps. Lateefah Simon, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, and state Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson.
The measure, formally titled the “Election Rigging Response Act,” would allow the Legislature to impose a new congressional district map for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections, temporarily replacing maps drawn by the California Citizens RedistrictingCommission, which would resume its duties in 2031.
Speaking to Black editors and publishers, Newsom portrayed Prop. 50 as a necessary response to redistricting maneuvers by Republicans in states such as Texas.
“We believe this is about power — but not power for power’s sake; it’s about preserving access,” Newsom said during the call. “We’re fighting fire with fire.”
Rep. Kamlager-Dove said Prop. 50 would help protect the political influence of Black Californians and other communities of color.
“It’s a moral defense and a strategic offense,” she said.
Rep. Simon echoed that message, describing the proposition as “a temporary but essential shield” for voters of color.
Sen. Weber said that the measure is backed by the California Legislative Black Caucus and major Black civic organizations, including the NAACP and Black Women for Wellness.
Supporters say the new map would ensure fair representation and protect voting rights while remaining transparent.
Newsom noted that the measure “does not dismantle the Independent Redistricting Commission” but temporarily shiftsresponsibility to the Legislature “to respond to attacks on democracy unfolding in other states.”
Opponents, including former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, argue that Prop. 50 is a partisan effort to help Democrats gain seats inCongress and dismantle the independent system voters created.
“This is undemocratic and a betrayal of the reforms Californians fought for,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement.
The “No on Prop 50” campaign, backed by good-governance groups and Republican donors such as Charles Munger Jr., calls themeasure “a dangerous precedent” that would erode trust in impartial redistricting.
Critics warn it could open the door for future partisan manipulation and reduce local representation.
Editorial boards such as the San Francisco Chronicle and Los Angeles Times have noted that while the proposition’s goal is to pushback against Republican gerrymanders nationwide, it may also invite similar tactics in California if political control shifts.
For Inland Valley voters, spanning communities such as San Bernardino, Ontario and Fontana, Prop. 50 could alter congressional boundaries that determine how federal resources are distributed.
While the measure affects only U.S. House districts, not state or local boundaries, changes could impact how Inland Valleyresidents are represented in Washington on issues such as water infrastructure, transportation, affordable housing and wildfire funding.
“Federal priorities flow through congressional representation,” said Weber. “When we lose fair maps, we lose resources that affect housing, education and health care.”
Ballots for the Nov. 4 special election are already in the mail. A “yes” vote on Prop. 50 would approve the Legislature’s temporary maps through 2030, while a “no” vote would keep the citizen-drawn maps until after the 2030 census.
