San Mateo County backs Proposition 50

On Tuesday, Speier and the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution — with four ayes and Supervisor Ray Mueller abstaining — to endorse Proposition 50 which would temporarily authorize changes to the congressional district maps and expand the state’s representation in congress.

Proposition 50, the “Election Rigging Response Act,” is an unprecedented and retaliatory redistricting effort to win more democratic House of Representatives seats in response to a similar effort by Republicans in Texas at the desire of President Donald Trump.

Voters will consider the legislation, which would adopt the new congressional district maps for elections between 2026 and 2030, in the special election Nov. 4.

Passing the state proposition gives California voters a chance to fight against the federal administration, Speier and Supervisor Lisa Gauthier noted.

“When I’m out in the community, a lot are asking what they can do in light of everything going on in the nation,” Gauthier said. “This item puts it in the hands of voters in California.”

Gauthier and Board President David Canepa held a press conference on Monday to rally in favor of the state proposition. Joined at their side were state Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park; Assemblymember Diane Papan, D-San Mateo; Assemblymember Marc Berman, D-Palo Alto; and labor and community leaders.

If California voters pass the proposition in November, the plan would override California’s independent citizen commission — which decides how district lines are drawn, and was established in 2010 — and redraw new maps more favorable to Democrats until 2030.

Opponents to the proposition believe it takes away redistricting power from citizens and gives it to politicians. Although the proposition has a sunset date, opponents argue even a temporary change in district representation sets a dangerous precedent.

If approved, Democrats may win up to five additional seats in the House.

At the board meeting Tuesday, Supervisor Noelia Corzo said she usually follows the principle of “when they go low, we rise high” but right now “time’s are different.”

“I think it’s important we rise to meet the moment in our nation,” Corzo said.

Mueller said although he was personally in favor of the state proposition, he felt it was inappropriate to endorse the matter as a governing body, because of its partisan nature. Speier acknowledged this similar conflict, but ultimately felt an endorsement was necessary.

“There’s a phrase in Texas, don’t mess with Texas. I think our message is don’t mess with California,” Speier said.