Poll: Most Californians Support Proposition 50

Majority Back Redistricting Measure

A new statewide poll indicates that most California voters favor Proposition 50, the proposed redistricting initiative pushed by Governor Gavin Newsom. According to a survey conducted by the research firm co/efficient, 54 percent of likely voters said they support the measure, while 36 percent oppose it and 10 percent remain undecided. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK

Proposition 50 Seeks to Redraw California’s Congressional Map Ahead of 2026 Elections

The measure will appear on the November 4 special election ballot and would redraw California’s congressional map to bolster Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Proposition 50 was introduced in response to Texas’ recent redistricting, which critics say unfairly favored Republicans. Element5 Digital / Pexels

Polling and Messaging Dynamics

The co/efficient survey, conducted September 29 through October 1, reached nearly 1,000 likely voters via phone and text. Researchers also tested how campaign messaging has influenced public opinion. George Dolgikh / Pexels

Supporters Frame Prop. 50 as Pro-Democracy Effort, Opponents Warn of Cost and Overreach

Respondents were exposed to both “Yes on Prop. 50” and “No on Prop. 50” arguments. The opposition framed the measure as “anti-democratic,” “costly,” and a “dangerous precedent,” while supporters described it as a defense of democracy backed by Newsom and former President Barack Obama and a “pushback against Trump.” Mike De Sisti-USA TODAY

Pro-Prop. 50 Messaging Proves More Persuasive in Shifting Voter Support

Voters appeared more persuaded by the pro-Prop. 50 messaging, becoming 47 to 57 percent more likely to support the measure after hearing “Yes” arguments, compared with 37 to 44 percent less likely after hearing “No” arguments. Element5 Digital / Pexels

Record Spending on Campaign Efforts

According to data from the Secretary of State’s Cal-Access website, more than $131 million has already been spent on the campaign for Proposition 50. Analysts say the figure underscores the high stakes of the redistricting effort, which could reshape California’s political influence in Congress. John Guccione www.advergroup.com / Pexels

Democrats Launch Federal Investigation

Meanwhile, Congressional Democrats, led by Rep. Robert Garcia (D–Long Beach), announced an investigation into 24 federal agencies following reports of possible mass firings during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, called the threats “both malicious and without a doubt illegal.” Jasper Colt, Jasper Colt / USA TODAY NETWORK

Democrats Demand Records on Federal Layoffs

Committee Democrats, including Ro Khanna, Dave Min, and Lateefah Simon, demanded documents by October 17 related to “reduction in force” (RIF) notices and any communications about shutdown messaging or agency restructuring. They argue that the administration’s actions are “part of a longstanding attempt by extremists… to destroy essential services.” Jack Gruber, Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK

Trump Adviser Signals Potential Layoffs if Shutdown Talks Stall

Trump adviser Kevin Hassett appeared to soften the administration’s tone, telling CNN’s "State of the Union," “If the president decides that the negotiations are absolutely going nowhere, that there, you know, there will start to be layoffs.” Executive Office of the President of the United States / Wikimedia