BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Proposition 50, recently approved by California voters, allows temporary changes to the state’s congressional district maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Governor Gavin Newsom hailed the approval as “a victory for the people of the state of California and the United States of America.” Supporters argue the measure is necessary to counter efforts by former President Donald Trump, who encouraged states like Texas to redraw their maps.
FILE – A person views a U.S. Congressional District map as the Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting meets to hear invited testimony on Congressional plan C2308 at the Texas State Capitol on August 6, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
However, opponents claim the proposition is unfair, alleging it removes voter protections that prevent maps from being drawn to favor one political party. Randy Villegas, a congressional candidate for California’s 22nd District, urged voters to support the measure, stating, “We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while Trump tries to rig our democracy.”
Brenda Haynes places signs throughout a conference room before a No on Prop 50 rally in Redding, Calif., Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
In Kern County, the proposition faced significant opposition, with 56% voting against it. Congressman Vince Fong criticized the measure on social media, saying, “Millions of Californians will be left without representation in Congress.” He accused Newsom of pursuing personal ambitions at the expense of the state constitution and rural communities.
Democratic Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains shared her statement with Eyewitness News, stating, “I respect the outcome of the election and thank our election workers for their service to our democracy. Valley voters are ready for new leadership in Washington. Republicans like David Valadao are killing the economy and making everything more expensive. Tariffs on American farmers, cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, and bailouts for billionaires. I remained focused on protecting healthcare and making the American Dream affordable for families in every part of this district.”
Eyewitness News Reporter Lena Folke speaks with Dr. Jasmeet Bains on what she hopes to accomplish if elected (KBAK/KBFX).
On Wednesday, a federal lawsuit was filed by Dhillon Law Group, Assemblyman David Tangipa, 18 California voters, and the California Republican Party challenging Proposition 50. In a press conference, attorney Mike Columbo argued, “The map is designed to favor one race of California voters over others,” violating the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 27: A person walks past a sign pointing to a vote center during the in-person early voting period in California’s Proposition 50 special election on October 27, 2025 in West Hollywood, California. California voters are casting their ballots in the redistricting measure which would redraw the state’s congressional districts in an effort to increase Democratic seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Assemblyman David Tangipa expressed his dismay, stating, “I’m appalled by what has happened.” The lawsuit seeks a three-judge panel and requests preliminary and permanent injunctions to prevent Proposition 50 from taking effect.
Governor Newsom responded to the lawsuit, sharing a post on X stating, “We haven’t reviewed the lawsuit, but if it’s from the California Republican Party and Harmeet Dhillion’s law firm, it’s going to fail. Good luck losers.”