In a recent development, former President Barack Obama and California Governor Gavin Newsom have been actively advocating for Californians to cast their votes in favor of Proposition 50.
This ballot measure, if passed, would replace the state's independent redistricting system with a legislature-approved map. The projected outcome of this change would be the elimination of several congressional districts currently held by Republicans.
As reported by Breitbart, Governor Newsom took to social media on Tuesday, sharing a video featuring former President Obama. In the video, Obama is seen urging voters to support Proposition 50 in the upcoming special election on November 4. The former President's message was clear and direct:
California, the whole nation is counting on you. Democracy is on the ballot November 4. Republicans want to steal enough seats in Congress to rig the next election and wield unchecked power for two more years. With Prop 50, you can stop Republicans in their tracks.
Prop 50 puts our elections back on a level playing field, which preserves Independent Redistricting over the long term, and lets the people decide. Return your ballot today. Vote yes on 50.
This video is the latest in a series of efforts by Obama to promote Governor Newsom's redistricting plan. The plan proposes to replace California's independent redistricting commission, established by voters in 2008, with a partisan-drawn map. The proposed changes, as per Breitbart News reports, would reduce the number of Republican-held seats in California's congressional delegation from nine to five, despite approximately 40% of voters supporting Republican candidates in the 2024 election.
Obama has previously praised Newsom's proposal as a reasoned and measured approach, stating in August, Over the long term, we shouldnt have political gerrymandering in America, just a fair fight between Republicans and Democrats based on whos got better ideas. But since Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House and gerrymandering in the middle of a decade to try and maintain the House despite their unpopular policies, I have tremendous respect for how Governor Newsom has approached this. Hes put forward a smart, measured approach in California, designed to address a very particular problem at a very particular moment in time.
Further endorsing the initiative at a Marthas Vineyard fundraiser, Obama added, Were only going to do it if and when Texas and/or other Republican states begin to pull these maneuvers. Otherwise, this doesnt go into effect.
However, the plan has not been without its critics. California Republicans have launched a lawsuit against Newsom's plan, labeling it unconstitutional and arguing that it breaches the 30-day public notice requirement for legislation. Despite this, the California Supreme Court ruled in August that the plan could proceed, granting the governor permission to use a gut and amend tactic to expedite the measure through the legislature.
The special election, projected to cost $250 million, will ask voters to approve the new map and amend the state constitution to allow mid-decade redistricting. The Democratic National Committee has initiated bilingual outreach campaigns in support of Prop 50, targeting Latino voters, while major donors such as billionaire Tom Steyer have funded multimillion-dollar ad campaigns promoting the initiative.
Despite these efforts, polls suggest that a majority of Californians prefer to retain the states independent redistricting commission. A UC BerkeleyPolitico survey found that 64 percent of voters favor the current system, compared to 36 percent who support the governors proposed changes.
This redistricting battle in California is part of a larger national struggle following Texass new One Big Beautiful Map which adds five Republican-leaning districts. Obama and former Attorney General Eric Holder, through the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, have pledged to counter GOP-led redistricting efforts, characterizing them as an existential threat to our democracy.
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