A new video featuring Black elected officials from areas across California is urging voters to support Proposition 50 in the Nov. 4 special election.
The measure, known as the “Election Rigging Response Act,” would allow the state to temporarily redraw congressional districts in response to other states, including Texas, redrawing their electoral maps outside the standard ten-year U.S. Census cycle, affecting the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections.
Officials featured in the ad include Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass; State Assemblymembers Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), and Sade Elhawary (D-Los Angeles); LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, L.A, City Councilwoman Heather Hutt; State Senators Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) and Laura Richardson (D- Inglewood), and LAUSD Board of Education member Sherlett Hendy Newbill.
In the video, the leaders emphasize that Prop 50 protects fair representation, preserves Black political power, and counters efforts in other states to manipulate congressional districts. They frame a “yes” vote as essential to defending voting rights and ensuring that all communities have a voice in Congress.
Supporters, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and former President Barack Obama, say the measure ensures equal representation and counters partisan gerrymandering in other states. Opponents argue it undermines California’s independent redistricting process and serves partisan interests.
The video coincides with on-the-ground efforts to mobilize voters. On Oct. 25, the California Black Power Network Action Fund and partners, including Black Women for Wellness Action Project and LA Black Worker Center, held a rally and canvassing event at Leimert Park. The event included voter outreach and canvass training.
Smallwood-Cuevas said, “Yes on Proposition 50 is about standing our ground. Our voices, our votes, and our representation are not negotiable.” Early voting and mail-in ballots are already underway, giving Californians an opportunity to shape the state’s congressional representation and protect democratic participation.
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By: Bo Tefu, California Black Media
