Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media
August 18, 2025
The museum, which chronicles Japanese American incarceration during World War II, carries symbolic weight underscoring California’s commitment to safeguarding civil rights.
Newsom, standing with legislative leaders, members of Congress, civil rights advocates and union leaders, said California has a responsibility to respond.
“Donald Trump, you have poked the bear, and we will punch back … I know they say, ‘Don’t mess with Texas.’ Well, don’t mess with the great Golden State,” Newsom warned.
During the press conference Q&A, Newsom added: “We’re not going to sit back … and be complicit… and watch this system get rigged and watch our democracy fail.” He also pointed to the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents outside the museum, calling it “a sign of weakness, not strength” from Trump’s allies.
Earlier in the week, in a letter to Trump, Newsom wrote: “This is a dangerous game — you are playing with fire when you try to undermine free and fair elections in America.”
Proposition 50: Election Rigging Response Act
The legislative package introduced this week centers on Proposition 50 — named for the 50 United States — which would appear on the November 4, 2025 ballot. It would give Californians the opportunity to push back against partisan gerrymanders in Republican-led states and empower Congress to exercise oversight of 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,” Newsom said. “This proposal would give Californians a choice to fight back — and bring much-needed accountability and oversight.”
The package includes three measures. Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 8, authored by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) and Senate President pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg), would allow Californians to adopt a new, temporary congressional map if Texas, Florida, Indiana or other Republican-led states redraw theirs. Senate Bill (SB) 280, by Sen. Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside) and Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz), sets the timelines and procedures for the special election and provides funding. Assembly Bill (AB) 604, by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) and Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), establishes the temporary congressional maps that would take effect if triggered.
The maps, drawn by the Legislature’s independent experts, are now publicly available on the Assembly and Senate Elections Committee websites for review.
Lawmakers have set an expedited schedule for passing the bills: introduce them in both houses when they return from recess on Aug. 18, hear them in each Elections Committees on Aug. 19, move them to Appropriations on Aug. 20, and hold floor votes on Aug. 21, when they must pass with a two-thirds majority in order to go before voters in a special election.
Assembly Republicans estimate the special election could cost $235.5 million statewide. According to Secretary of State Shirley Weber’s office, final costs will depend on logistical details once the Legislature formally calls the election.
Black Lawmakers Speak Out
Black lawmakers speaking at the press conference linked Trump’s redistricting strategy to broader threats against communities of color.
Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), vice chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), tied the fight to his Texas roots and to the Texas Democrats who walked out to block voter suppression.
“This isn’t about redistricting. This is about whether we let an authoritarian in the White House break our democracy,” Bryan said at the museum.
He also took the message national. Appearing on MSNBC, Bryan said,
“We cannot let one man dismantle our democracy. California is stepping up to make sure every voter’s voice is heard.”
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) called Trump “dangerous and authoritarian,” saying he targets Black and Latino communities with “militarized” tactics. She said California is organized and “will not be intimidated,” stressing the fight is about protecting communities of color from systemic assault.
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) described the GOP’s mid-decade redraws as “race-based and classist,” designed to silence Black and Latino voices. She pointed to other states “in play” — Florida, Indiana, Missouri and Ohio — and said Democrats nationwide are asking California to share its playbook. “Voters, not janky maps, should decide elections,” she said, urging passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
CBLC Chair State Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) later in a press release from Newsom’s office reinforced the caucus’ message stating: “California will not sit idly by while Republicans attempt to rig the electoral system … California is responding to protect our democracy and preserve the will of the people.”
Republican Pushback
California Republicans blasted the Democrats’ plan, calling it a power grab accusing them of abandoning the voter-approved independent redistricting commission, created to take map-drawing power from legislators. GOP leaders warned the move would erode public trust and predicted voters would reject the measure as partisan politics disguised as reform.
“Don’t p–s on my boots and tell me it’s raining. These are rigged maps drawn in secret to give Democrat politicians more power,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City).
What’s at Stake
If voters approve Prop 50, the new maps would govern California’s 52 congressional districts starting in 2026.
Republicans are preparing a costly campaign to stop it. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is reportedly planning a $100 million campaign to defeat the measure. Charles Munger Jr., who championed California’s independent redistricting commission, may contribute up to $30 million more.
If Democrats mount a comparable effort, the statewide campaigns could exceed $200 million.
For Black Californians, the outcome carries added weight.
“We have fought too hard for voting rights to sit by while Trump tries to erase them. This is about protecting our communities and making sure our voices are heard at the ballot box.” Waters said.
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