Democrats Gain Edge in California Redistricting Battle as Trump Condemns Vote

Voters in eight California counties that supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 election approved new congressional district boundaries Tuesday, a move that strengthens Democrats’ prospects in the U.S. House race for 2026. Fresno, Merced, Inyo, San Bernardino, Lake, Riverside, San Joaquin, and Imperial all voted “yes” on Proposition 50, which secured nearly 65% statewide support.

Trump criticized the measure, calling it an “Unconstitutional Redistricting Vote in California” and alleging the process was “RIGGED.” He accused the state of using “Mail-In” ballots to suppress Republican votes, vowing legal action. The approval of Proposition 50 could help Democrats gain up to five additional House seats, countering Texas Republicans’ efforts to redraw maps under Trump’s influence.

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom hailed the vote as a defense against Trump’s policies, linking it to broader national trends that saw Democratic governors rise in New Jersey and Virginia. However, he warned the most critical battles would unfold next year. The results mark a strategic win for Democrats as midterm elections often favor the opposition party. Republicans currently hold 219 House seats compared to Democrats’ 213.