California farmers back down from 50th redistricting plan
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California voters are in the final days of a special election that could help determine control of the U.S. House in 2026. The ballot measure, known as Proposition 50, would allow state lawmakers to temporarily redraw California’s congressional map — a move Democrats say could help them pick up additional seats in Congress.
Jenny Holtermann, a fourth-generation farmer in California’s Central Valley, said that under the proposed map she would remain in a Republican district, but concerns about the changes could impact her community.
“It’s really sad that they’re actually carving up those Republican areas in the district and moving them around to make the areas really more Democratic, and that’s not what the Central Valley is,” Holtermann told Fox.
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Early morning on an almond farm in California’s Central Valley.
Obama supports Newsom’s California redistricting bill, Proposition 50
Along with Central Valley farmers, the California Farm Bureau also opposed Prop 50. Holtermann said she is accustomed to big cities having more political influence in Sacramento, but she fears the measure will silence rural voices.
Jenny Holtermann holds a fresh almond picked from her orchard. (Amalia Roy)
“We are Californians, and as Californians, we shouldn’t be concerned about what other states are doing [gerry]”Manipulating their votes,” Holtermann said.
Northern California voters support Proposition 50 in redistricting battle
Lonnie Johnson, vice chair of the Fresno County Democratic Party, said he didn’t welcome the fight either, but said redistricting efforts in Republican-led states have left California Democrats with few options.
A flyer urging people to vote for Proposition 50 sits on a table at the Fresno County Democratic Party office. (Amalia Roy)
“We can either fight this — which we are doing — and the people of California seem to be very supportive if you look at recent polls, or we can do nothing,” Johnson said. “We can let them game the system, maintain control of the House, and there will be no oversight, no oversight, on the Trump administration.”
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Johnson added that unlike other states, the issue of redistricting is up to voters in California.
“This was not an option for Texas voters, North Carolina voters, or Missouri voters. The state legislatures just put it forward,” Johnson told Fox.