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-Editorial
Governor Gavin Newsom, joined by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire, signed a legislative package on Thursday that will place Proposition 50 before voters in a special statewide election scheduled for November 4, 2025.
The package, referred to by supporters as the “Election Rigging Response Act,” includes three measures. Assembly Constitutional Amendment 8 would authorize the adoption of a temporary congressional map. Assembly Bill 604 establishes the maps to be used if voters approve the amendment, and Senate Bill 280 sets procedures and funding for the special election.
State leaders say the effort responds to redistricting changes in Texas and other Republican-led states that they argue distort federal representation.
“Californians have been uniquely targeted by the Trump Administration, and thanks to the hard work of the California legislature, they will have a choice to fight back — and bring much needed accountability to Trump’s efforts to undermine the democratic process,” Governor Gavin Newsom said.
Supporters framed the initiative as a defense of democracy. “We are acting to defend our state from his attacks, by taking it directly to the voters,” Rivas said.
“The Election Rigging Response Act legislation allows voters the chance to stop Trump and Republican attempts to blatantly steal our election,” said pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast). “This legislation is temporary, and it’s all about fairness. And, today’s action means we’re fighting back for our democracy and our future — not with fire — but with the power of the voters and millions of folks across the Golden State.”
The governor also issued a proclamation officially calling the special election. His office cited prior state litigation efforts that, according to officials, helped Californians recover $168 billion in federal funds since the start of the Trump Administration.
Republican lawmakers sharply criticized the plan, characterizing it as partisan redistricting. Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio) said the proposal diverts more than $200 million away from pressing issues such as housing, healthcare, and wildfire protection.
“Meanwhile, my constituents in Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties are struggling. And yet, this body is more interested in gerrymandering than solving real problems,” Gonzalez said. “Californians in my district tell me every day they feel forgotten and they’re right. We should be investing in hospitals, food banks, wildfire protection and jobs, not playing partisan games.’
Members of California’s Republican congressional delegation also voiced opposition, pointing to the state’s independent redistricting process created by the 2010 VOTERS FIRST Act. In a joint statement, Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) and eight colleagues accused Newsom and Democratic leaders of attempting to override the nonpartisan Citizens Redistricting Commission. “A partisan political gerrymander is NOT what the voters of California want,” the statement read, adding that Republicans will “fight any attempt to disenfranchise California voters by whatever means necessary.”
With the governor’s signature and proclamation, the measure is now headed to California voters, who will decide in November whether to approve Proposition 50 and authorize temporary changes to the state’s congressional districts.