SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Leading up to California’s Nov. 4 Special Election more than half of San Diegans are planning to vote “yes” on Proposition 50, California’s proposed redistricting map. Several local leaders, school boards and community groups have been outspoken about their thoughts on the ballot initiative.
What is Prop 50?
Governor Gavin Newsom introduced Prop 50 to counteract Texas’ similar redistricting efforts. Newsom has stated the proposition also hopes to safeguard democratic practices by stopping the Trump administration from influencing the midterms or entertaining a third presidential term.
If Prop 50 is passed, five new congressional seats will be created with a Democratic majority, potentially affecting incumbent members of Congress such as Republican Representative Darrel Issa.
Here is a list of local Prop 50 endorsements or leaders who have publicly shared how they will be voting.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Who’s voting “Yes” on Prop 50
Who’s voting “No” on Prop 50
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Boardmember Delia Dominguez Cervantes, Chula Vista Elementary School District
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Councilmember Christian Garcia, City of Escondido
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President Karen Clark Mejia City of El Cajon Valley Union School District
Arguments for “no” on Prop 50
Many leaders voting “no” on Prop 50 state that redistricting efforts are a political power grab by Newsom.
“This is not about better representation, it is about consolidating power for his own political ambitions,” Desmond said in a social media post.
Groups like the Union Tribune Editorial Board state that Prop 50 “normalizes” this type of governance.
“None of this will matter — or should matter — to those who believe Trump is a primal threat to American values,” the Union Tribune Editorial Board wrote. “But it will to those who think Newsom’s measure reflects a ‘burn down the village to save it’ mindset. The Union-Tribune Editorial Board recommends a no vote on Proposition 50.”
Arguments for “yes” on Prop 50
Local school boards, such as San Diego and Oceanside, have endorsed Prop 50 to combat decisions made by the Trump administration such as increased Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence, cuts to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and attempts to cut federal funding for schools.
Unions like the UDW/AFSCME Local 3930 state that they are supporting redistricting to combat government cuts to healthcare and other vital services.
“Our hardworking members overwhelmingly support Prop 50 and are coming out en masse to kick out those in Congress who slashed Medicaid and nutrition assistance funding in order to pay for a massive tax giveaway to billionaire,” UDW Executive Director Doug Moore said. These cuts will impact millions of Californians who rely on Medicaid to fund the IHSS program. Together, we’re going to stand up to those in Congress who attacked those who give care and those who receive care. We must hold them all accountable.”
A sample ballot is pictured before early voting starts in California’s statewide special election, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Paula Ulichney-Munoz)
Where to vote
All voting centers across the county will open on Saturday, Nov. 1. Voters can go to these centers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A list of voting centers, ballot drop box locations and additional voting information can be found on sdvote.com
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