What the redistricting ballot measure means for cities

By Johnnie Pina, legislative advocate (governance)

California lawmakers are racing to place Proposition 50, also called the Election Rigging Response Act, on the Nov. 4 ballot. If approved, the ballot measure would allow the Legislature to redraw congressional maps, temporarily bypassing the state’s independent redistricting commission.

The proposal emerged after other states, notably Texas, began pursuing mid-cycle redistricting, prompting California’s Democratic leaders to propose a one-time legislative alternative.

Voters approved the commission in 2008 and expanded its authority two years later to include congressional maps. If voters approve Prop. 50, the new maps go into effect for the 2026 election if another state redraws its congressional districts without a court order. These new maps would remain in place until 2032. The commission would then resume control over the creation of congressional maps.  

How would this work?

Prop. 50 is tied to three legislative bills coauthored by several prominent legislative leaders. ACA 8 would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot allowing legislative-drawn congressional maps. AB 604 establishes the proposed map. SB 280 funds and sets the rules for the November special election, including consolidating local elections already scheduled for that date. Cal Cities has no position on all three bills.

How could this move impact city finances, boundaries, and elections?

Prop. 50 would only affect congressional districts. City council, county, and other local district boundaries would not be impacted. Local governments would not need to redraw maps, though they should monitor changes in federal representation. The maps would split at least one city into three districts.

Cities would not be on the hook for election costs: The Legislature plans to provide upfront payments to counties and the Secretary of State to cover the costs.

In fact, there could be cost savings for some cities. SB 280 would consolidate a local election called on or before Aug. 8, 2025, and scheduled for Nov. 4, 2025, with the statewide special election. A district, city, or other political subdivision could not call a special election to be held on Nov. 4, 2025, after the bill’s effective date. Cities cannot add on to the ballot.

Looking ahead

Lawmakers are conducting hearings and voting on the three-bill package ahead of Thursday’s deadline to place Prop. 50 on the Nov. 4 ballot. Since the measures are either ballot initiatives or have urgency clauses, they must receive a two-thirds majority in both houses to qualify.

If the Legislature approves the measures, California voters will face a major decision: Keep the current maps or allow a one-time legislative redraw that could shift congressional representation ahead of the 2026 elections.

Meanwhile, Republican legislators have filed an emergency petition with the California Supreme Court seeking to block the measure. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other national Republican leaders have also vowed to stop the plan.