Topline
California voters approved a congressional map with five new districts favoring Democrats on Tuesday night, the party’s first official attempt to balance the scales with Republican gerrymandering in states across the country ahead of next year’s midterm elections.
Key Facts
The ballot measure, known as Proposition 50, passed with 64.7% voting in favor of the issue at 12:15 a.m. ET with 65% of votes counted.
The race was called by AP just moments after the polls closed at 11 p.m. ET.
California state lawmakers asked voters to approve the redrawn map with five additional districts favorable to Democrats in response to GOP-led redistricting efforts across the country that could give Republicans the advantage in next year’s midterm elections.
Pro-Proposition 50 campaigns were backed by major Democratic donors George Soros and Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, while Republican megadonor Charles Munger Jr. helped fund an effort to defeat the initiative.
Crucial Quote
“We’re proud of the work the people of California did today to send a powerful message to a historic president. Donald Trump is a historic president, he is the most historically unpopular president in modern history,” Gavin Newsom said in a speech in Sacramento after the results came in. He added: “It’s been a good evening, for everybody not just the Democratic Party. But what a night for the Democratic Party, a party that is in its ascendancy…from coast to coast.”
Big Number
43. That’s how many California congressional districts are held by Democrats, of 52 total.
Key Background
California became the first state to attempt a formal effort to counter Republican gerrymandering efforts pushed by President Donald Trump and his allies in other states. Texas Republicans approved a new map earlier this year that added five likely Republican seats, while North Carolina, Ohio and Missouri also retooled their maps to add additional GOP-leaning districts. In total, the four states added nine new likely GOP seats.
What To Watch For
Utah lawmakers approved a new congressional map pursuant to court order that would add one likely Democratic seat. Discussions are also underway in Illinois and Virginia to add new Democratic seats.
Further Reading
New Jersey Elects Democrat Mikie Sherrill As Governor—In Blow For Trump (Forbes)
Abigail Spanberger Wins Virginia Gubernatorial Election—A Key National Battleground (Forbes)
NYC Mayoral Race (Live Updates): Mamdani Wins, Calls It A “Mandate For Change” (Forbes)