Redistricting
California voters to decide Prop 50 redistricting plan as Northern communities weigh the stakes
Petra Hartmann Image generated by AI Fact checked
On November 4, California voters will decide Proposition 50, a temporary congressional redistricting plan advanced by Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative Democrats in response to GOP-led mapping in Texas encouraged by President Donald Trump. Supporters say the change could net Democrats up to five U.S. House seats; opponents argue it undermines California’s independent redistricting system and local representation.
Obama endorses California redistricting Proposition 50
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Former President Barack Obama has urged California voters to support Proposition 50, a ballot measure aimed at redrawing congressional districts to potentially add up to five Democratic seats in response to Republican gains in Texas. The endorsement comes as early voting is underway for the November 4 election, which could influence House control ahead of the 2026 midterms. Obama released a video on social media highlighting the national stakes of the measure.
Blue Shield donation to Newsom committee draws scrutiny as California’s Prop 50 advances
Petra Hartmann Fact checked
Blue Shield of California donated $500,000 this year to Governor Gavin Newsom’s ballot-measure committee backing Proposition 50, a November 4 special-election measure to temporarily redraw the state’s congressional map. The insurer says it has not taken a position on Prop 50, while polls show the proposal leading.
California redistricting vote may hinge on views of Newsom and Trump
Petra Hartmann Fact checked
Californians will vote on Nov. 4 whether to adopt a temporary, legislature-drawn congressional map. Analysts say attitudes toward Gov. Gavin Newsom’s clash with President Donald Trump could influence the result.
Missouri governor signs Trump-backed congressional map
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has signed a new congressional map into law, a move backed by President Donald Trump that could deliver Republicans an extra U.S. House seat in the 2026 midterms. The map, passed in a special legislative session, aims to represent Missourians fairly, according to Kehoe. Democrats plan legal challenges and a potential referendum to contest it.
Over $100 million spent on ads for California's redistricting measure
California Prop 50 draws scrutiny over mail‑in ballot privacy as Nov. 4 special election nears
Petra Hartmann Image generated by AI Fact checked
California voters will decide Proposition 50 in a statewide special election on November 4, a legislatively referred constitutional amendment that would temporarily replace the state’s independent congressional map. The measure has sparked new claims about mail‑in ballot privacy; state election officials say the envelopes are secure and include accessibility features.
Mormon women group influences Utah congressional redistricting
A group called Mormon Women for Ethical Government played a key role in redistricting Utah's congressional seats. Their efforts aimed to promote fairer representation in the state's political map. The involvement highlights growing civic engagement among Mormon women in politics.
New Hampshire GOP redistricting push stalls as Ayotte resists mid‑cycle map
Petra Hartmann Fact checked
A Republican bid to redraw New Hampshire’s congressional lines has been shelved after state Sen. Dan Innis withdrew his bill, citing opposition from Gov. Kelly Ayotte. The move underscores the limits of the White House’s pressure campaign to secure more GOP-leaning House seats ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Supreme Court examines Louisiana redistricting under Voting Rights Act
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The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on October 15, 2025, in Callais v. Louisiana, a case challenging whether creating a second majority-Black congressional district violates the Constitution. Conservative justices appeared inclined to limit Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, potentially allowing Republicans to gain up to 19 House seats. The ruling could reshape minority representation in Congress.
NPR politics chat spotlights East Wing demolition, Russia sanctions, redistricting battles and a prolonged shutdown
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On October 26, NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe and Mara Liasson discussed President Trump’s Asia trip, the demolition of the White House’s East Wing to make way for a new ballroom, fresh U.S. sanctions on major Russian oil companies, intensifying redistricting fights, and a federal shutdown that has stretched nearly four weeks.