On November 4th, California citizens will head to the polls to vote yes or no on Prop 50. In this special election, voters will decide whether or not to redraw California’s congressional district lines. Proposition 50 comes out of response to President Donald Trump’s urge for Texas to gerrymander their own districts.
If approved, California could gain at least five more Democratic seats in the House of Representatives during the 2026 midterms. The current House of Representatives has the smallest majority since 1930, with the Republicans holding that power with 221 of the 435 possible seats.
For some Fresno Christian seniors this election will be their first experience in the voting world. However, students who cannot vote in this election should still pay attention as it will have major effects on the next election, in which most Juniors and Seniors will be able to vote.
In August 2025, Texas House Republicans passed a mid-decade redistricting plan without a vote from Texas citizens. This new map would give Texas Republican candidates the chance to win 3 more seats in the House of Representatives.
Redistricting federal territories takes place every 10 years after a census. District lines are redrawn in order to maintain equal representation between race, social status, and political standing. Many states are currently attempting to gerrymander district lines, which creates unequal representation throughout the state.
Governor Gavin Newsom hopes to regain the Democratic majority in Congress before the 2026 midterm elections, when his term as California governor will run out.
“Prop 50 would give Californians a choice to fight back and bring much needed accountability and oversight to the Trump administration,” Newsom said.
Princeton University recently examined every states’ most recent redistricting, including both Texas and California’s current attempts. After intense research, they gave each state a grade, A being the best and F the worst.
Texas received an F, giving the Republicans a significant advantage winning their own House seats. California also received an F, showing little competitiveness in their districts.
The result of this year’s special election could have major effects on the future of the federal government. If successful, Democrats will have a chance to turn the House of Representatives back in their favor, essentially ending Trump’s second term early. If it fails to pass, Republicans will keep control of both the Legislative and Executive branches.
To see more infographics from The Feather, visit Infographic: U.S. government shutdown 2025
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