Debra Saunders: Trump’s Biggest Election Loss Happened in California
How did Proposition 50, the California redistricting ballot measure, pass easily this week despite initial voter opposition? Former Republican Governor Pete Wilson explained the outcome in a phone interview.
"There were any number of people who were not paying any damned attention," Wilson said.
Wilson noted the campaign against Governor Gavin Newsom’s favored measure lacked funding, while the "yes" campaign benefited from abundant external money. He added,
"The Democrats did not only have the money, but they spent it."
Conservative dissatisfaction stemmed from the weak effort of the "No on 50" campaign. The situation ties back to President Donald Trump’s influence, as he encouraged Texas and other red states to redraw district maps mid-decade to favor Republicans—a move breaking the usual practice of redistricting only after the decennial census.
Nearly 64% of voters supported Newsom’s “Election Rigging Response Act.” Many voters were motivated by opposition to Trump's immigration policies, particularly the ICE raids he approved, though some progressives oppose enforcing federal immigration laws altogether.
Newsom's measure effectively reinforced an already skewed system that favors his party.
Author's Summary
This episode illustrates how Trump's national strategies inadvertently fueled political backlash in California, shaping voter behavior and election outcomes against his interests.
Would you like the summary to be more neutral or carry a slight opinion?