By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
New Video Ad: Black Elected Officials Speak Out in Support of Prop 50
A new video featuring Black elected officials from areas across California is urging voters to support Proposition 50 in the Nov. 4 special election.
The measure, known as the “Election Rigging Response Act,” would allow the state to temporarily redraw congressional districts in response to other states, including Texas, redrawing their electoral maps outside the standard ten-year U.S. Census cycle, affecting the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections.
Officials featured in the ad include Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass; State Assemblymembers Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), and Sade Elhawary (D-Los Angeles); LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, L.A, City Councilwoman Heather Hutt; State Senators Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) and Laura Richardson (D- Inglewood), and LAUSD Board of Education member Sherlett Hendy Newbill.
In the video, the leaders emphasize that Prop 50 protects fair representation, preserves Black political power, and counters efforts in other states to manipulate congressional districts. They frame a “yes” vote as essential to defending voting rights and ensuring that all communities have a voice in Congress.
Supporters, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and former President Barack Obama, say the measure ensures equal representation and counters partisan gerrymandering in other states. Opponents argue it undermines California’s independent redistricting process and serves partisan interests.
The video coincides with on-the-ground efforts to mobilize voters. On Oct. 25, the California Black Power Network Action Fund and partners, including Black Women for Wellness Action Project and LA Black Worker Center, held a rally and canvassing event at Leimert Park. The event included voter outreach and canvass training.
Smallwood-Cuevas said, “Yes on Proposition 50 is about standing our ground. Our voices, our votes, and our representation are not negotiable.” Early voting and mail-in ballots are already underway, giving Californians an opportunity to shape the state’s congressional representation and protect democratic participation.
Gov. Gavin Newsom Highlights California’s Leadership in AI, Innovation, Agriculture and More
Gov. Gavin Newsom showcased California’s economic strength and leadership in innovation and technology during the California Economic Summit on Oct. 22, 2025.
Speaking alongside Dee Dee Myers, director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), Newsom emphasized the state’s position as a global leader in emerging industries and its commitment to providing opportunities for all residents.
“California is an economic powerhouse,” Newsom said. “We are entrepreneurs, innovators, pioneers, and self-starters. California invests in all corners of the state, building a strong economic future for all, helping every Californian get one step closer to fulfilling their California Dream.”
The summit highlighted California’s leadership in sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, biotechnology, fusion energy, nuclear technology, and space exploration. Newsom recently signed legislation to strengthen innovation on university campuses, aiming to maintain the state’s competitive edge in critical industries and attract global investment.
The governor also announced a historic expansion of the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit, increasing it from $330 million to $750 million. The initiative is expected to generate $1.4 billion for the economy by supporting the production of 52 new films in California, further boosting the creative sector and related jobs.
Earlier this year, Newsom introduced the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, a comprehensive plan developed by nine state agencies to guide regional growth, expand 21st-century job training, and create an environment that fosters well-paying jobs. The blueprint is designed to strengthen California’s innovation economy while improving access to economic opportunities across all communities.
Newsom emphasized that even amid national economic challenges, California remains committed to investing in talent, infrastructure, and technology to secure long-term prosperity. The summit brought together business leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders to discuss strategies that support innovation, workforce development, and equitable economic growth throughout the state.
By reinforcing California’s leadership in technology, agriculture, and creative industries, the governor said the state is prepared to maintain its global economic dominance while providing residents with pathways to
Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson: Prop 50 Isn’t Perfect, But It’s a Tough and Necessary Choice
State Sen. Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) has publicly endorsed Proposition 50, the “Election Rigging Response Act,” ahead of California’s Nov. 4 special election. While acknowledging the measure’s imperfections, Weber Pierson, who is chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), said it is necessary to protect the state’s political influence and the voting power of historically marginalized communities.
“Prop 50 isn’t perfect, but it’s a tough and necessary choice,” Weber Pierson said in a video released on social media.
The video, shared on Facebook, features the senator and other Black elected officials highlighting the importance of the measure in defending California’s political representation and safeguarding voting rights against partisan redistricting efforts in other states.
The video and accompanying posts also emphasize support from the CLBC, the NAACP, and Black Women for Wellness. Officials note that Prop 50 would temporarily allow California to redraw congressional districts if another state manipulates its maps outside the standard ten-year census cycle. The measure would apply to the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections before returning redistricting authority to California’s independent citizens’ redistricting commission.
Opponents, including former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, argue that Proposition 50 is a partisan attempt to favor Democrats and undermine the independent redistricting system Californians approved through a ballot measure in 2008. They describe the measure as “undemocratic” and a challenge to reforms intended to ensure fair representation.
Weber Pierson urged Californians to participate in the election and highlighted the broader stakes, including protecting access to political resources and funding for communities of color. Early voting and mail-in ballots are already underway.
The Facebook video concludes with a call for civic participation, encouraging residents to research their polling locations and vote yes on Proposition 50 to ensure fair representation and defend the political gains Black communities have fought for over generations.
For more information on the special election, voters can visit www.vote.ca.gov and follow updates from the California Legislative Black Caucus and supporting organizations on social media.
