Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor David J. Canepa, District 5
Subject: Adopt a resolution in support of Proposition 50
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution in support of Proposition 50 to temporarily authorize changes to congressional district maps and affirm California’s commitment to fair, nonpartisan redistricting nationwide.
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BACKGROUND:
Fair and equitable representation is fundamental to democracy. California has led in preventing partisan gerrymandering through its independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission), which draws district lines using nonpartisan, transparent standards.
Recently, though, Texas has adopted a mid-decade redistricting plan criticized for partisan bias, and other states have threatened to do likewise, raising national concerns about attempts to unfairly skew the 2026 federal midterm election.
In response, Proposition 50, which would amend the California Constitution, will appear on the November 2025 ballot. If adopted by the electorate, Proposition 50 would temporarily mandate the use of congressional district maps adopted by the Legislature in August 2025, effective until the Commission draws new maps in 2031. Proposition 50 also affirms California’s support for nonpartisan redistricting nationwide by endorsing the use of independent commissions in other states.
DISCUSSION:
By adopting this Resolution, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors supports Proposition 50 as a necessary response to the unprecedented mid-decade redistricting of congressional seats to unfairly skew the 2026 United States midterm elections. The measure offers a temporary solution to this unprecedented mid-decade redistricting while preserving the long-term role of California’s independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.
This action affirms California’s leadership in promoting fair redistricting and encourages other states to adopt similar nonpartisan models. It reflects the County’s core values of fairness, accountability, and equal representation for all residents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The County Elections Office has estimated that the cost of the November 2025 election on Proposition 50 will be $4,170,529 in San Mateo County. The legislation authorizing the vote on Proposition 50 provides that the State will cover the full cost of the election for counties. The County will need to work with the State to ensure that the full cost of the election is claimed and recovered.