The Nov. 4 vote involves Proposition 50, which would gerrymander the state to boost Democratic chances of winning as many as five added House seats in the 2026 midterm election. AdvertisementThere is, however, an added, if intangible, cost to Proposition 50: Effectively disenfranchising millions of conservative and Republican-leaning Californians, who already feel as though they’re ignored and politically impotent. Under the Democratic gerrymander, the already-meager Republican House contingent — nine of 52 California House members — could be cut practically in half. What do they say to Republican voters who already feel disregarded and politically unrepresented? There’s a certain presumption and paternalism to the notion that California Democrats know what’s best for California Republicans.
