August 18, 2025 - SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom applauded California legislative leaders for introducing a legislative package that – if passed – gives Californians an opportunity to push back against President Trump’s power grab in Texas and other Republican-led states, but only if Republicans ultimately bend to Trump’s will. In doing so, Proposition 50 – named for the 50 United States – would allow Californians an opportunity to bring much-needed oversight and accountability to the Trump Administration.
“California and Californians have been uniquely targeted by the Trump Administration, and we are not going to sit idle while they command Texas and other states to rig the next election to keep power — pursuing more extreme and unpopular policies. This proposal would give Californians a choice to fight back — and bring much needed accountability and oversight to the Trump Administration.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
California Governor Gavin Newsom Credit: Office of the Governor
About the legislative package
- Assembly Constitutional Amendment 8 (Rivas, McGuire): allows Californians the ability to adopt a new, temporary Congressional map that neutralizes Trump’s power grab only if Texas, Florida, Indiana, or any other Republican-led state redraw their maps.
- Senate Bill 280 (Cervantes, Pellerin): establishes timelines and procedures to conduct a statewide special election for Proposition 50, and provides the funding for the special election, set to take place on November 4, 2025.
- Assembly Bill 604 (Aguiar-Curry, Gonzalez): establishes the temporary Congressional District Maps that would take effect if other states engage in mid-cycle partisan gerrymanders.
This bill package builds on Governor Newsom’s framework announced last week in Los Angeles at the Democracy Center, alongside leaders from across the Golden State like Planned Parenthood, labor unions, community organizations and educators, as well as key elected officials at the federal, state, and local level.
Newsom fights back against Trump Administration’s harmful policies
The Trump Administration has been particularly harmful to Californians. However, thanks to California’s proactive efforts to defend its values against the federal administration the state and ultimately the people have been able to recoup at least $168 billion in federal funding. This effort is a direct result of the special session to safeguard Californians earlier this year – so far spending $5 million to support the litigation, representing a 3,360,000% (3.4 million percent) return on investment.
Source: Office of the Governor
