California’s Proposition 50
On the West Coast, Californians are deciding whether to adopt a newly drawn congressional map through Proposition 50. Supporters say the map could produce as many as five additional Democratic seats in the U.S. House by undoing mid-decade changes made in Texas. Opponents argue the measure is partisan and unnecessary.
President Trump denounced the proposal on social media, calling it a “GIANT SCAM” and alleging the mail-in ballot process is “rigged.” He added that the vote is under “very serious legal and criminal review.” At the White House, Leavitt told reporters the administration is “looking into” executive action designed to “strengthen elections” nationwide and prevent what she described as “blatant fraud” in California’s universal mail-in system.
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber rejected the president’s allegations, labeling them “another baseless claim” and encouraging residents to cast ballots. A spokesperson for state Attorney General Rob Bonta also dismissed the fraud assertions, stating that California elections remain “fair, safe and secure.”
Exchange between Trump and Newsom
The redistricting measure has led to a public exchange between Trump and Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. The president’s online posts labeled the initiative unconstitutional, while Newsom responded on X that Trump’s remarks were “the ramblings of an old man that knows he’s about to lose.”
Claims of voter intimidation
Reports of voter intimidation surfaced earlier in the day in parts of New Jersey. During a press availability, New York mayoral hopeful Mamdani called the incidents “incredibly concerning” and accused the Trump administration of using unfounded fraud allegations to discourage participation. Leavitt countered that the comments were “based on zero evidence” and said Democrats were focused solely on opposing the president rather than articulating policy goals.
Imagem: Internet
Potential impact on Congress
The House balance of power will not shift directly from Tuesday’s races, yet the California map could play a decisive role in 2026. According to the non-partisan U.S. Census Bureau, California lost a congressional seat after the 2020 census but still sends the largest delegation to Washington. Adding five Democratic-leaning districts would complicate Republican efforts to regain the majority.
Turnout indicators
Elections officials in all four states reported steady morning turnout despite heavy rain in parts of the Northeast. Early voting totals in New York City exceeded comparable figures from the 2021 mayoral race, signaling heightened interest. In Virginia, state data showed more than 1.1 million early or absentee ballots were accepted before Election Day.
Timeline of statements
- 7 minutes ago: Weber releases a statement dismissing Trump’s fraud claims as unfounded.
- 26 minutes ago: Trump posts about a “criminal review” of Proposition 50; Leavitt confirms potential executive action.
- 47 minutes ago: Leavitt reiterates that Trump’s position on the New York City race is well known.
- 1 hour 47 minutes ago: Trump calls Proposition 50 a scam; Newsom responds on social media.
What happens next
Polls in Virginia close at 7 p.m. ET, with New Jersey following at 8 p.m. New York City locations remain open until 9 p.m., and most California counties accept ballots until 8 p.m. PT. Officials in each state caution that close contests or extensive mail-in counts could delay final tallies.
Election administrators have reminded the public that certified results will be released only after every valid ballot is processed and any provisional votes are verified, a procedure that could extend into next week.
Crédito da imagem: Jeff Chiu/AP; Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP; Andrew Harnik/Getty Images; Reuters
