The effect of Prop 50 for us was to create a “new District 1” that will be an easy Democrat win — but only if the race comes down to a Democrat versus a Republican in the November general election.
If enough No-on-Prop-50 voters choose me in the June 2 primary, I can easily win one of the top two spots — then go on to win in November. That’s why I say that Prop 50 is on the ballot one more time.
The longer story…
Almost all Democrats, about half of no-party-preference (NPP), and almost no Republicans voted for Proposition 50 — the latest round in the endless gerrymandering battle in our country. I was one of the NPP voters who voted no, because it’s all gone too far.
Proposition 50 was needed in order to bypass the California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CCRC) and allow AB 604 to take effect. AB 604 redraws the lines for all 52 California districts in a blatantly partisan manner.
The argument was that Prop 50 was a “necessary response to Texas” after their own gerrymandering to add 5 “safe” Republican seats, at the behest of President Trump. It’s a plausible argument, but I find it weak. One thing I’ll say for Trump in this matter: he said the quiet part out loud.
The trouble with the “Texas argument” is that even before AB 604, the CCRC “non-partisan” districts heavily favored Democrats — as every Republican in California already knows. Specifically, California has about a 40% Republican vote, and yet out of 52 Congressional seats, Republicans won just 9 (17%) in 2024. With Prop 50, Democrats hope to reduce it to 4 (8%) in the 2026 election.
Conversely, Texas has about 40% Democrat vote, and of their 38 seats, Democrats won 13 (34%) in 2024. After their recent gerrymandering, the Republican hope is to drop that to 8 (21%) in 2026 — similar to California today.
Nationwide the debate goes on over which party has rigged things worse, but that’s a contest no one wins. We the People need to say enough is enough, and start to walk it back. My campaign is one step we can take.
This is an important and complex topic that I’ll elaborate further as the campaign evolves. Stay tuned.