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By Dylan J Martin, Communications Director – January 16, 2026
Image Credit : Canva
In a close 2-1 ruling, a three-judge federal panel ruled against a lawsuit filed by California Republicans that sought to block implementation of Gov Gavin Newsom’s rigged Prop 50 congressional redistricting map. While a huge disappointment, the fight is far from over.
While there could be an appeal to the US Supreme Court, Reform California and Chairman Carl DeMaio are not waiting for relief from the courts — and instead have put together a plan to fight to reverse Prop 50 that is not dependent on a favorable court ruling.
Carl DeMaio
DeMaio has outlined a three-part plan to reverse the damage done by Prop 50. Get the plan in our top story this week — plus, join the fight to help Reform California!
“We have to be ready to fight for seats under the unfair Prop 50 map for at least the 2026 midterm – and perhaps longer,” DeMaio notes. DeMaio points to the fact that the US Supreme court may delay its ruling on the matter – or may even decide to not take the case up and let the lower court ruling stand.
Reform California’s Plan to Counter Prop 50
DeMaio has outlined a three-part plan to reverse the damage done by Prop 50:
PASS VOTER ID INITIATIVE: At the top of the list, DeMaio says the CA Voter ID initiative will make all districts more competitive by cleaning up the voter rolls, requiring citizenship verification, and combatting fraud by having an ID requirement. “Voter ID is a game-changer and it will help us flip seats even with the unfair lines drawn in the Prop 50 rigged maps,” DeMaio says.
THE REFORM AGENDA: DeMaio says California Republicans need to embrace a more aggressive approach to campaigning and offer bolder ideas to compete with Democrats. “For the last 20 years, weak establishment Republicans have moved to the left to be more like Democrats and they’ve just continued to lose seats – it’s time for Republicans to be principled fighters with a bold agenda to counter the failures of the Democrats,” DeMaio notes. That’s why DeMaio has outlined a 10-Point “Contract to Reform California” for candidates to run on that focuses on reducing the cost of living, creating jobs, defending personal freedom, and combatting crime and homelessness.
GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGNS: DeMaio says the traditional tv and glossy direct mail campaigns won’t win elections anymore. That’s why Reform California is building grassroots infrastructure and programs to support candidates across the state through its “26 in 2026” Initiative. By running better campaigns powered by grassroots activists, DeMaio is confident the GOP can win in some of the unfair Prop 50 districts.
“By doing these three things outlined in our Reform California campaign, we will make Democrats live to regret their rigged Prop 50 map – mark my words,” DeMaio promises.
But DeMaio can’t do this alone – he’s urging activists to get involved across the state in the Reform California campaign.
“Don’t give up hope – get angry and get active in this midterm election,” DeMaio concludes.
