Newsom’s California Redistricting Bid Raises $108.7 Million

The Los Angeles Times is tallying contributions to committees supporting and opposing Proposition 50 ahead of the November special election.

Proposition 50 would shift California’s congressional district lines to favor Democrats.

Billionaire Tom Steyer leads supporters with $12 million, while Charles Munger Jr. has donated $32 million to defeat the measure, Gabrielle LaMarr LeMee and Sandhya Kambhampati reported for the LA Times.

Proposition 50 would shift California’s congressional district lines to favor Democrats — Gov. Gavin Newsom’s response to a similar effort in Texas aimed at boosting Republican representation in Congress.

The new lines would override those drawn by the state’s nonpartisan, independent redistricting commission.

Supporters include Democratic politicians, party organizations, and labor unions. Newsom has argued that the change is needed to “protect Californians” and counter President Trump’s political influence.

Republicans oppose the measure, warning that partisan maps would roll back the state’s commitment to fair representation.

Overall fundraising in support of Proposition 50 has surged to $108.7 million as of Oct. 11, while the two committees opposing it have raised a combined $42.1 million.

Since the proposal was announced in August, donations backing the measure have poured in.

The House Majority PAC, which seeks to elect Democrats to the U.S. House of Representatives, is the top donor with nearly $11 million. George Soros’ Fund for Policy Reform contributed $10 million. Labor unions are also major supporters.

By contrast, opposition funding has come primarily from billionaires and a handful of wealthy individuals.