California lawmakers on Thursday approved, and Governor Gavin Newsom promptly signed, a constitutional measure that places a new congressional map on the state’s 4 November ballot. Branded Proposition 50, or the “Election Rigging Response Act,” the legislation bypasses the voter-created independent redistricting commission for the remainder of the decade and sets up a 75-day campaign to decide whether the alternative lines take effect for the 2026 midterms. Analysts say the map would tilt five currently competitive or Republican-held districts toward Democrats, potentially shifting the state’s delegation to 48–4 in their favour. Newsom argues the move neutralises a Texas plan championed by President Donald Trump that is on track to generate five additional Republican seats by 2026. Former President Barack Obama has endorsed the measure, while Republican figures, led by ex-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, call it an anti-democratic power grab. Public opinion is mixed. A UC Berkeley survey found 63 percent of Californians consider gerrymandering “never acceptable,” yet 35 percent support redrawing districts if Texas proceeds. Nationally, a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows most voters view partisan redistricting as harmful to democracy. Fund-raising is brisk: Newsom’s committee reports US$6.2 million in early donations, whereas GOP strategists say they will marshal roughly US$100 million to defeat Proposition 50. Lawsuits challenging the ballot measure are already being prepared. California’s action deepens a coast-to-coast redistricting arms race. Republican leaders in Missouri have called a special session aimed at securing one more GOP seat, and officials in Ohio, Indiana and Florida are weighing similar mid-decade revisions. The outcome of California’s referendum—and of pending court fights in Texas—will shape both parties’ prospects for retaining or recapturing the U.S. House majority in 2026.