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Newsom and Elected Officials Make Case to Black Press for Prop 50 

October 13, 2025

of the News Article California's Proposition 50, dubbed The Election Rigging Response Act, is being supported by Governor Gavin Newsom and members of both the California Congressional Black Caucus and California Legislative Black Caucus as a measure to protect Black and Brown voting power. The proposition would temporarily allow the Legislature to adopt congressional district maps for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections before returning authority to the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission in 2031. Supporters frame the measure as a necessary response to redistricting efforts in other states they believe dilute minority voting power, while opponents argue it's a partisan power grab that could reduce Republican representation in California.

Who is affected

  • Black and Brown voters in California
  • California's registered voters participating in the special election
  • Republican congressional representation (potentially reduced from nine to five seats)
  • Communities of color who rely on Medi-Cal (over one million Black Californians)
  • Black children (60% rely on Medi-Cal)
  • California's independent Citizens Redistricting Commission

What action is being taken

  • A special election on Proposition 50 is being held on November 4
  • Vote-by-mail ballots are being sent to all active, registered voters
  • In-person voting is being made available statewide
  • Black press and media are being briefed about the measure by officials
  • Grassroots campaigning is occurring at locations like laundromats, barber shops, and churches

Why it matters

  • Supporters view it as protecting Black and Brown voting power against what they describe as national efforts to dilute minority votes
  • The measure is positioned as a response to redistricting in states like Texas, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, and Florida
  • It could impact congressional representation and potentially affect funding for housing, healthcare, and education programs
  • According to supporters, if Democrats win back the House in 2026, Black members could chair key committees with oversight and subpoena power
  • The proposition represents California's stance as a "firewall" against what supporters characterize as coordinated attacks on democracy

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint