Thousands of California Voters Blast Gov. Newsom, Democrats Over Gerrymandering Ballot Measure
Thousands of California voters have voiced strong opposition to Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Democrats over their push for a gerrymandering ballot measure, according to more than 19,000 public comments obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
On August 14, Newsom announced that California would hold a special election for voters to approve or reject the “Election Rigging Response Act,” also known as Proposition 50. The measure proposes implementing new “temporary” congressional district maps through 2030.
### Public Response and Comment Period
Before releasing the official redistricting maps, the California State Assembly’s Committee on Elections opened a public comment portal from August 13 to August 23. During this period, 19,751 comments were submitted from across the state, including major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
The backlash against California Democrats came shortly after Texas lawmakers proposed a new redistricting map, a move some Republicans justified due to the influx of residents moving to Texas during and after 2020.
An overwhelming majority of the nearly 20,000 comments opposed Proposition 50, with many criticizing Newsom and Democratic leadership for advancing the measure. While some urged lawmakers to focus on more pressing state issues rather than political battles against the Trump administration, a smaller number of comments supported Newsom, often echoing his phrase of fighting “fire with fire.”
### Potential Impact on Republican Representation
If approved, Republicans in California could see their already small congressional representation shrink further. Reports predict that five of the nine House Republicans could lose their seats. Lawmakers at risk include Reps. Kevin Kiley, Doug LaMalfa, David Valadao, Ken Calvert, and Darrell Issa.
Should all five lose their seats, Democrats would expand their advantage from 43 to 48 of California’s 52 total districts, leaving Republicans with just four seats statewide.
### Calls for Independent Commission
Several respondents pointed out that California established the Independent Redistricting Commission in 2008, rendering Proposition 50 unnecessary.
One submission from Los Angeles stated, “As a California Democrat, I’m disappointed that members of the CA State Legislature are pushing for a special election attempting to erode CA voters’ decision in 2010 for an Independent Redistricting Commission which was [to] prevent partisan gerrymandering.”
The submission added, “I recognize that this is a response towards the Texas Legislature decision to do mid-decade redistricting to gerrymander their state, but circumventing the will of CA residents’ decision for personal gain demonstrates hypocrisy and represents the dangers of hurting our democracy.”
The commenter urged Democrats to focus on running better congressional candidates, highlighting the party’s 2018 success with over 40 seat net gains, and emphasized that the state legislature should not pursue a mid-decade special election because it undermines voter will.
In 2008, Californians passed the Voters First Act, establishing a 14-member Citizens Redistricting Commission responsible for drawing district lines for the state Senate, Assembly, and Board of Equalization every ten years. The commission comprises five Republicans, five Democrats, and four members not affiliated with either party.
Additionally, in 2010, voters approved Proposition 20, expanding the commission’s authority to include congressional districts.
Another submission from Valencia warned, “We have an independent redistricting commission. Why would you take away what we voted for? If you do, I’ll never vote Democratic again.”
### Concerns About the Redistricting Process
During the announcement of the potential new map, many questioned how the new districts were being drawn and who was involved, noting that the independent commission had not been used in the process.
According to Cal Matters, veteran Democratic redistricting expert Paul Mitchell and other consultants were partially responsible for the potential Democratic gains in the state. Mitchell reportedly took input from California’s Democratic congressional delegation before submitting the map to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Newsom and state Democrats have attempted to ease concerns about bypassing the Independent Commission by insisting that the new maps are only temporary and serve as a pushback against the Trump administration. However, critics warn the move could have lasting consequences for California.
Neal Fornaciari, leader of the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, told KCRA on Sunday that he is “not confident at all” that the redrawn map will be just temporary. He also noted that seven of the 14 commissioners oppose the measure.
“It’s temporary till the next crisis, the 2030,” Fornaciari said. “California is going to lose between three and six congressional seats. So that’s the next crisis up.”
In response to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment on bypassing the commission, a spokesperson for Newsom’s office stated the measure went through a “transparent legislative process.”
They added, “No resident of Texas, Missouri, or North Carolina—which Trump pressured to rig their election map—can say the same.”
### Concerns Over Taxpayer Costs
Another major concern among voter comments was the cost of the special election, especially given ongoing issues like crime and homelessness in California.
One comment from Indio bluntly stated, “Stop wasting our [expletive] money. This is costing taxpayers with no tangible benefit. $250 million burden on the taxpayers!!!!”
On August 14, California’s Assembly Republicans sent a memo warning Newsom that the special election could cost taxpayers at least $235.5 million. Recent reports indicate the official budget was $282.6 million, with at least an additional $2 million spent correcting inaccurate voter guides sent to some registered voters.
A submission from Richmond called the expenditure “a ridiculous waste of taxpayer’s money,” pointing out the state’s budget deficit and labeling the election a “political theater.”
Another comment from Folsom accused Newsom of being “completely absent in governing this state” and suggested the election is more about furthering his presidential aspirations than helping Californians.
In response, Newsom’s office referred to a previous statement in which the governor said the state would fund the measure and that there’s “no price tag on democracy.”
### Some Show of Support
Despite widespread opposition, a handful of comments expressed support for Gov. Newsom and the legislation.
Some respondents agreed the measure is a necessary response to Texas’ redistricting efforts, while others took a more extreme stance, urging the removal of “as many” Republican districts as possible.
A respondent from West Sacramento wrote, “I fully support the effort to redistrict to counteract Texas and other Republican-led states’ efforts to unfairly sway the results of the midterm elections. California cannot let its influence and power at the federal level be diluted by Trump and the GOP’s naked power grab.”
Another from Los Angeles stated, “Remove as many Republican districts as you legally can get away with. No more playing nice. They will do it to us at the first chance they get.”
Others warned that Republicans pose a “threat to democracy” across the U.S., with a Long Beach respondent stating, “The Republican party is an existential threat to democracy and CA. Gerrymander them out of existence. Let’s remind the Federal Government that they need us a lot more than we need them.”
### Polls Show Possible Democratic Edge
Despite the public backlash in August, polling suggests Democrats may maintain an advantage on Proposition 50.
An Emerson College survey conducted October 20–21 of 900 likely California voters found that 57% support Prop 50, while 37% oppose it. Undecided voters leaned toward approval, with 60% supporting the measure.
The survey also noted significant shifts among certain demographic groups; for example, black voter support for Prop 50 jumped from 45% to 71% since September, according to poll executive director Spencer Kimball.
Republican California Assembly Member Carl DeMaio warned on X (formerly Twitter), “Right now we’re losing the fight against Prop 50 in CA, but turnout is LOW. If every Republican voter gets off their ass, returns their ballot and votes NO, we WIN. IT. IS. THAT. SIMPLE.”
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https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/28/voters-california-open-comment-proposition-50-gavin-newsom-elections/
