Big money and names power the campaign to influence California voters over a new congressional map
August 30, 2025
California voters will decide in November whether to OK a new congressional map that would benefit Democrats. The campaign to influence voters has already begun. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic allies want voters to approve the new districts to stop what they say are President Donald Trump’s attempts to rig elections. Republicans and others say it’s a Democratic power grab. Days into the campaign, supporters and opponents each brought in more than $10 million. That’s a fraction of the $100 million-plus expected to be spent to win over voters. The contest also is drawing some high-profile names, including actor and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.