Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom scored a victory against President Donald Trump, with California voters approving a ballot measure allowing his state to change congressional maps ahead of next year’s midterm elections.
In a move that could give the Democrats an extra five House seats, California passed what is known as Proposition 50, allowing it to alter its congressional districts from 2026 to 2030.
The measure was heavily pushed by Newsom in response to Texas’ redistricting changes made this year.
But Trump argued on Tuesday that the move was not only unconstitutional but also part of a statewide process that is “rigged” against Republicans.
“The Unconstitutional Redistricting Vote in California is a GIANT SCAM in that the entire process, in particular the Voting itself, is RIGGED,” the president said.
The result in California gave Democrats a clean sweep of victories against Trump and the GOP.
“What a night for the Democratic Party,” Newsom said as he addressed supporters shortly before midnight.
“We are proud here in California to be part of this narrative this evening.”
Earlier, the president faced a stinging rebuke in his former home state, with New York voters electing Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani as the city’s first Muslim mayor.
In Virginia, former Democratic congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, 46, became the first woman to win the governor’s mansion in that state, taking over from term-limited Republican Glenn Youngkin.
And in New Jersey, another former Democratic congresswoman, Mikie Sherrill, 53, also won the governor’s race, defeating the Trump-endorsed Republican candidate, Jack Ciattarelli.
But California’s result will also bolster Newsom, who has presidential aspirations and has become Trump’s troller-in-chief in recent months.
The 51-year-old Democratic governor led the charge to put Proposition 50 in front of voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
He framed it as a direct response to Texas’ mid-decade redistricting—which Trump had pushed—and a way for Californians to show their disapproval of the second Trump administration.
Newsom said the vote was a clear message to the president.
But he also warned Democrats not to become complacent, highlighting Trump’s push to deploy the military in U.S. cities, curb free speech and “rig the midterm elections before one single vote is even cast.”
Redistricting is part of a broader effort by the GOP to boost their narrow House majority and keep control of the chamber in the 2026 midterms.
Currently, Republicans hold a five-seat majority in the 435-member House of Representatives.
If Democrats win a majority at next November’s midterms, they will be able to hinder Trump’s legislative agenda for at least the next two years and also bolster congressional oversight of his administration.
This could include investigations, complete with subpoenas, and even the prospect of impeachment.
“When Donald Trump started ordering his Republican lackeys to save his fading power by rigging the midterms, he didn’t realize he’d be up against a new Democratic Party,” said Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin.
“We don’t roll over when one team refuses to play by the rules. We fight back.”
