Rural GOP Warn of Sidelining as Prop 50 Merges with Liberal Counties

California's rural GOP voters are bracing for a potential loss of political influence as Proposition 50, a redistricting measure backed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, heads to the Nov. 4 ballot. The proposal would merge conservative-leaning counties like Shasta, Siskiyou, and Modoc with liberal Marin County, creating a congressional district where rural voters would be outnumbered by coastal liberals, according to an AP report. Republicans argue the plan is a partisan power grab that dilutes their representation in a state where Democrats outnumber them 2-to-1, the U.S. News article said.

The redistricting effort aims to counter a Trump-backed redistricting strategy in Texas, which could expand Republican House seats. Newsom and Democrats frame the measure as a defense of democracy, but critics like former Shasta County Supervisor Patrick Jones call it "massive gerrymandering." Jones, speaking in his family's Redding gun shop, warned that the move would leave GOP voters "with absolutely nothing."

The new map would pit Northern California's agricultural and ranching communities—where 67% of Shasta County residents supported Trump in 2024—against Marin County, a bastion for Democrats like Vice President Kamala Harris, who received 80% of the vote there, AP reported. Marin's median household income of $140,000, double that of Shasta County, further underscores the demographic clash.

Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a rice farmer representing the region, has spent $63,000 of his campaign funds to oppose the measure and donated $50,000 to a statewide "no" campaign. His supporters, including local bait shop owner Bob Braz, praise his conservative stances and advocacy for water infrastructure projects. However, LaMalfa's visibility has been limited; some constituents, like retired state worker Toby Ruiz, admit they've heard little from him about the redistricting battle, the U.S. News article reported.

The low turnout in rural counties compounds GOP concerns. In Shasta County, only 7,000 ballots had been returned two weeks before the election, far below typical levels, AP reported. Democratic mobilization efforts, including labor union volunteers and targeted outreach in blue strongholds like Los Angeles, have outpaced Republican efforts. "You'd have to spend a huge amount of money to reach your base," said Jones, noting national GOP priorities might shift focus away from California.

Not all Northern Californians oppose the change. Warren Swanson, a Redding resident of 40 years, criticized LaMalfa as "Do Nothing Doug" and supported Prop 50, which promises to return map-drawing authority to an independent commission after the 2030 Census. Others, like Colleen Shelly of Mt. Shasta, hope the redistricting could pressure LaMalfa to abandon Trump-aligned policies, particularly on healthcare and food assistance.

The debate reflects broader tensions over representation in a state where rural voters feel increasingly sidelined by Democratic lawmakers. Recent legislation banning hand-counted ballots in Shasta County—a move local leaders blamed for election conspiracy theories—has fueled resentment. "They're silencing our voices," said Liz Jacobs, a Redding resident who moved from the Bay Area and values LaMalfa's agricultural background, the U.S. News article said.

While Newsom insists the measure is a "reaction to something unprecedented," Republican optimists like Walter Stephen Rubke remain cautiously hopeful. "I see a hard path ahead," he said, but added, "I feel confident. I feel hopeful."