California farmers push back on Prop 50 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 of Representatives in 2026. The ballot measure, known as Proposition 50, would allow state lawmakers to temporarily redraw California’s congressional map. Democrats say the move could help them pick up additional seats in Congress.
Jenny Holtermann, a fourth-generation farmer in California’s Central Valley, said she would remain in the Republican District under the proposed map but worried the changes could affect her community.
“It’s really sad that they’re really carving out Republican districts in the district and moving those districts around to make them more Democratic, and that’s not the case with the Central Valley,” Holtermann told Fox.
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It’s early morning on an almond farm in California’s Central Valley.
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Along with Central Valley farmers, the California Farm Bureau also opposed Proposition 50. Holtermann said he is used to big cities having more political influence in Sacramento, but he fears this measure will further silence rural voices.
Jenny Holtermann holds fresh almonds she picked from her orchard. (Amalia Roy)
“We are California, and as Californians we shouldn’t get caught up in what other states are doing to prevent this from happening. [gerry]Vote,” Holtermann said.
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Lonny Johnson, vice chairman of the Fresno County Democratic Party, also said he did not welcome the fight but argued that 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 desk at the Fresno County Democratic Party office. (Amalia Roy)
“We can either fight this – which is what we’re doing – and when you look at the latest polls, the people of California seem very supportive, or we can do nothing. We can let them game the system, let them keep control of the House of Representatives, and there will be no check, no check on the Trump Administration,” Johnson said.
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Johnson added that unlike other states, the redistricting issue is up to California voters.
“This was not an option that was presented to the voters of Texas, the voters of North Carolina, or the voters of Missouri. The state legislatures just put it in,” Johnson told Fox.
