A stark divide in Prop. 50 rhetoric

Both sides say they're defending democracy. But for the 'no' camp, messaging is harder.

- BY SEEMA MEHTA

IN NEWPORT BEACH, people listen to a speech by Assemblywoman Diane Dixon against Proposition 50.

If the ads are any indication, Proposition 50 offers Californians a stark choice: "Stick it to Trump" or "throw away the Constitution" in a Democratic power grab.

And like so many things in 2025, Trump appears to be the galvanizing issue.

Even amid the incendiary campaigns California is used to, Proposition 50 has been notable for its sharp attacks to cut through the dense, esoteric issue of congressional redistricting. It comes down to a basic fact: This is a Democratic-led measure to reconfigure California's congressional districts to help the party win control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026 and stifle President Trump's attempts to keep Republicans in power through similar means in other states.

Thus far, the anti-Trump message preached by Proposition 50 advocates, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom and other top Democrats, appears to be the most effective.

Supporters of the proposal have vastly outraised their rivals, and Proposition 50, one of the most expensive ballot measure campaigns in state history, leads in the polls.

"Whenever you can take an issue and personalize it, you have the advantage. In this case, proponents of 50 can make it all about stopping Donald Trump," said former legislative leader and state GOP Chair Jim Brulte.

Adding to the drama is the role of two political and cultural icons who have emerged as leaders of each side: former President Obama in favor and former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger against, both arguing that the very essence of democracy is at stake.