California voters approve Proposition 50 giving legislature power to draw new congressional maps

California voters approve Proposition 50 on November 4, 2025, a ballot measure backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that temporarily shifts congressional redistricting authority from the state's independent commission back to the Democratic-controlled legislature. Newsom announces the initiative in July 2025 after Trump's call for Republican-led redistricting with a tweet: "Two can play that game." The new maps, drawn by the legislature after the ballot measure passes, are designed to add up to five Democratic House seats by reconfiguring suburban and Central Valley districts. Republican challengers immediately file suit but federal courts decline to block the maps before the 2026 election.