50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR KILEY

Prop 50 passed on Tuesday night by a landslide 64.7%. Although the redistricting measure was overwhelmingly supported across the state, locally the vote was more divided. In Mono County, the proposition was passed by 56.9%. In Inyo, 50.7% opposed the measure. 

Prop 50 will temporarily bypass the state’s voter-approved independent redistricting process until 2031, pushing forward a blue-favored gerrymandered redistricting in an effort to counter this summer’s red-redistricting in Texas.

These newly drawn congressional district maps will be used for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 House elections in California, which could flip up as many as five seats for the Democrats. 

Despite Inyo County’s opposition to the ballot, there will likely be no partisan change as a result of Prop 50. Currently, both Mono and Inyo counties are a part of District 3, and are represented by Republican Kevin Kiley in the House of Representatives. In the new gerrymandered map, Mono and Inyo will be redistricted to solid red District 5, represented by Republican Tom McClintock.

The circumstances in which Prop 50 was passed were unique; a single measure ballot in a special election during an “off-year.” What’s more, California Governor Gavin Newsom first proposed the ballot measure in August, posing a quick turn around for voters.

“We stood firm in response to Donald Trump’s recklessness,” Newsom said on Tuesday after the ballot measure passed. 

“And tonight, after poking the bear, this bear roared with unprecedented turnout in a special election with an extraordinary result.”