- Campaigns for and against Proposition 50 raised $122.3 million, making it the 10th most expensive ballot measure in California history.
- So far, supporters of the proposal raised $84.9 million while opponents collected $37.5 million.
- Proposition 50 seeks to implement new congressional maps that favor Democrats until 2030.
With less than five weeks to go until the election, California’s Proposition 50, which seeks to pave the way for new congressional maps friendlier to Democrats, is the 10th most expensive ballot measure on record in the state.
Proponents in favor of changing the maps have raised more than twice as much as opponents.
As of Sept. 26, a combined $122.3 million had been raised by campaigns both for and against the measure. Those in favor of Proposition 50 had raised $84.9 million in contributions, while those against had raised $37.5 million, according to Ballotpedia.
The numbers do not include contributions to multipurpose organizations, such as federal political action committees.
Of the 10 most expensive ballot measures in California, the side that raised more money won nine out of 10 times, per Ballotpedia. The only exception was in 2024, when there were competing sports betting initiatives.
The special election for Proposition 50 will be on Nov. 4.
Where the campaign in support of Proposition 50 is getting its money
As of Sept. 26, the campaign in support of Proposition 50 reported 146,478 donations from 68,215 unique donors, per Ballotpedia. Of these donors, 51.2% live in California and the average contribution was $979 with a median contribution of $100.
The top donors for this campaign include The Fund for Policy Reform, the House Majority PAC, the California Teachers Association and the California Democratic Party.
Where the campaign against Proposition 50 is getting its money
As of Sept. 26, the campaign against Proposition 50 had received 169 donations from 135 unique donors, with 88.9% of these donors living in California, per Ballotpedia. The average contribution was $261,588 and the median contribution was $105.
The top donors for the opposition include physicist and political donor Charles T. Munger Jr., the Congressional Leadership Fund and the Kevin McCarthy for Congress PAC.
What is Proposition 50?
During the statewide special election in November, Californians will vote on Proposition 50 to decide whether the state should implements newly drawn congressional district maps.
The proposition and special election were announced in August by Gov. Gavin Newsom in response to President Donald Trump’s push for Texas to redraw its congressional map to help the Republican Party gain five seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Proposition 50 is also known as the Election Rigging Response Act.
If Proposition 50 is passed, the state would use newly drawn congressional maps which are skewed in favor of Democrats, according to the Desert Sun. The maps would temporarily be in place through 2030.
Newsom has said Proposition 50 is meant to nullify Texas’ efforts.
The congressional district maps that California currently uses were created by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission. Even if Proposition 50 passes, the commission would draw new maps after the 2030 U.S. Census.