California Voters Approve Redistricting Measure, Boosting Democrats Ahead of 2026 Midterms

California voters have easily approved a ballot measure to redraw the state's congressional map to favor Democrats, according to a race call by The Associated Press, marking the party's biggest victory to date in a national battle over redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms. The measure, called Proposition 50, will replace lines drawn by an independent commission with a map that could net Democrats as many as five new seats in next year's U.S. House elections. The AP called the race just as polls closed in California. The outcome of Proposition 50 was seen as a significant victory for Democrats, who have been pushing for a more favorable congressional map. Governor Gavin Newsom, a key proponent of the measure, hailed the result as a major achievement. "Tonight, the people of California have spoken, and they have chosen a map that will give us a stronger voice in Washington," Newsom said in a statement. The redistricting process in California had been contentious, with Democrats and Republicans vying for control of the state's congressional map. The independent commission that drew the initial lines had been seen as a compromise between the two parties, but Democrats argued that the resulting map was not favorable enough to their party. Proposition 50, which was placed on the ballot by the state legislature, would replace the independent commission's map with a new one that is more favorable to Democrats. The outcome of Proposition 50 has significant implications for the 2026 midterms, which are expected to be a major battleground for control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Democrats are hoping to build on their gains in the 2022 midterms, when they won a net gain of five seats in the House. With a more favorable congressional map, Democrats may be able to pick up even more seats in 2026. The result of Proposition 50 was seen as a major blow to Republicans, who had been hoping to hold onto their seats in California. "This is a devastating loss for Republicans in California," said a spokesperson for the California Republican Party. "We had hoped that the independent commission's map would hold up, but it seems that the voters have spoken." The outcome of Proposition 50 is not without controversy, however. Some critics have argued that the new map is too partisan and will lead to a more polarized Congress. "This map is a disaster for California," said a spokesperson for a group that opposed Proposition 50. "It will lead to more gridlock in Washington and less representation for the people of California." The new congressional map will take effect in time for the 2026 midterms, when voters will elect all 52 members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California. The outcome of those elections will have significant implications for control of the House, and Democrats are hoping to build on their gains in the 2022 midterms.