As election day approaches, an unprecedented $26 million has been spent by various groups to sway voters on Proposition 50, marking the highest spending for any ballot measure in California’s history. This initiative, proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom, seeks to redraw the state’s congressional districts ahead of schedule, countering Republican efforts in Texas.
While the main campaigns for and against Prop. 50 have not funded the barrage of ads, mailers, and billboards, independent expenditures by nonprofits, political parties, and a billionaire have fueled the campaign. According to CalMatters, billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer has spent over $12.8 million supporting the proposition, while the California Republican Party has invested more than $10.2 million opposing it.
The spending surpasses the previous record set by Prop. 32 in 2012, which saw $10.8 million in independent expenditures. The Congressional Leadership Fund, a Republican super PAC, contributed $8 million to the state GOP, further intensifying the campaign.
Supporters of Prop. 50 are focusing on anti-Trump messaging, with former President Barack Obama appearing in ads to rally voters. Meanwhile, opponents emphasize the dangers of gerrymandering and the importance of good governance.
According to a Public Institute of California (PPIC) poll published Wednesday, 56% of likely California voters say they will vote for Prop. 50 in the special election next week, and 43% are against it.
There are significant partisan differences in the numbers, with 84% of Democrats in support of the ballot measure, while 89% of Republicans say they will not vote for it. Independent voters appear to be leaning toward the left, with 55% responding affirmatively to the proposition, PPIC found.
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