The majority of Californians say they support Proposition 50, the controversial redistricting plan. The measure is on the upcoming November 4 special election ballot, and it would temporarily change the congressional district map, giving the advantage to Democrats. The proposition took shape after President Donald Trump demanded that the Texas legislature change its congressional district lines in favor of Republicans ahead of the critical midterm elections in 2026.
What is at stake is the control of the U.S. House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a slim majority. Governor Newsom and other backers of Proposition 50 insist it is necessary to stop Trump’s power grab. According to a poll taken earlier this month by Emerson College, 51% of Californians intend to vote for the proposition, while 34 % oppose it, and 15 % are undecided.
In August, another survey, conducted by the University of California, Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS), found that 48% of voters surveyed said they would support the plan, while 32% said they would vote against it. In that poll, 20% said they were undecided on how they would vote on Proposition 50.
Meanwhile, Newsom’s battles against Trump policies and attempts to reshape our democracy are apparently boosting the governor’s job performance score. In this Emerson poll, Newson got a 46% job approval rating and 40% disapproval among California voters. Since last month, Newsom’s approval has increased by two points. Newsom has termed out for governor; however, he is seen as a leading contender in the race for president in 2028.
