California voters have approved Proposition 50, a sweeping change that could hand Democrats up to five new seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Associated Press called the race shortly after polls closed, confirming what many had predicted — a massive win for California Democrats and Governor Gavin Newsom.

“California voters approved new congressional district boundaries Tuesday, delivering a victory for Democrats in the state-by-state redistricting battle that will help determine which party wins control of the U.S. House in 2026,” the Associated Press reported.

The measure suspends maps drawn by California’s independent redistricting commission and replaces them with new districts crafted by the Democrat-controlled state legislature. Those districts will now be used for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections.

Governor Newsom strongly supported the ballot initiative, calling it a necessary “bulwark” against President Donald Trump’s growing influence across the country. The change gives Democrats a potential edge in upcoming elections — one that could alter the direction of Congress for years to come.

At present, Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House with 219 seats, compared to Democrats’ 213. The addition of five new seats from California alone could flip that majority — tightening the race or even handing control back to Democrats.

Prop 50’s approval comes amid growing national tension over redistricting battles between both parties. In Texas, Republicans expanded their representation by redrawing state lines earlier this year. Democrats have framed California’s move as a counterpunch to GOP-led states, but critics say it’s a direct assault on fair elections.

“California’s Proposition 50 asked voters to suspend House maps drawn by an independent commission and replace them with rejiggered districts adopted by the Democratic-controlled Legislature,” the AP noted.

Supporters of the measure say it ensures more “representation for growing urban areas.” Opponents argue it destroys the state’s independent system and rigs the process in favor of one political party.

For decades, California has been a solid Democratic stronghold, but Republicans have managed to maintain pockets of representation in rural and suburban regions. Under the new system, several of those districts are expected to disappear, reshaped into blue-leaning zones that will be nearly impossible for conservatives to win.

The move also reignites a national debate about the role of state governments in redrawing congressional lines. While Democrats accuse Republicans of “gerrymandering” in Texas and Florida, California’s decision effectively uses the same playbook — just in reverse.

Political analysts say the change could have ripple effects beyond the state. If other blue states follow California’s lead, it could create a new wave of Democrat-drawn districts designed to offset GOP gains elsewhere.

The measure’s passage reflects how both parties are increasingly relying on state power to influence national outcomes, especially with control of Congress hanging by a handful of seats.

Republican leaders have already signaled that legal challenges are likely, with several groups expected to contest the constitutionality of suspending the state’s independent redistricting commission. For now, though, the decision stands — and Democrats are celebrating what could be their biggest legislative win since 2020.

The battle for control of the U.S. House in 2026 has already begun. And with California now rewriting the map, the political landscape just tilted sharply left.