At the California GOP convention in Anaheim, Republicans voiced strong opposition to Proposition 50, which aims to change the state's redistricting process by moving away from an independent commission to potentially favor Democrats, raising concerns about its constitutionality and fairness.

Candidates like Hilton criticize Newsom's record on issues such as unemployment and taxes, expressing confidence that California voters' support for Trump will lead to a Republican victory in the upcoming election.

Republicans argue that Prop. 50 is a partisan tactic by Governor Gavin Newsom and Democrats to rig elections, with fears it could cost the GOP up to five congressional seats in the upcoming November 2025 special election, thereby impacting control of Congress.

The GOP is actively strategizing to defeat Prop. 50 through voter outreach, legal challenges, and grassroots mobilization, with some candidates planning to file lawsuits if the measure passes.

Legal challenges are already in motion, with attorney Mark Meuser planning to take Prop. 50 to the Supreme Court if necessary, arguing that the new district maps may violate constitutional standards due to lack of current census data.

The California Republican Party's fall convention shifted from celebrating recent wins to urgent strategizing against Prop. 50, recognizing the measure's potential to reshape political power in the state.

Party leaders maintain that diverse messaging strategies will strengthen their opposition to Prop. 50, emphasizing the importance of reaching different voter blocs through various approaches.

Critics also contend that Prop. 50 undermines democratic processes, with some claiming it is undemocratic and unconstitutional, and raising concerns about election integrity, especially regarding mail-in ballots.

The campaign surrounding Prop. 50 has seen over $40 million spent by supporters and opponents, with extensive advertising efforts, including during major sporting events, highlighting the high stakes of the measure.

The upcoming special election on November 4, 2025, is expected to cost around $250 million, with grassroots efforts focused on mobilizing voters to influence the future of California's political landscape.

Meanwhile, the convention showcased a crowded field of over 80 potential gubernatorial candidates, with figures like Bianco and Hilton emphasizing their appeal to both law-and-order voters and Trump supporters, aiming to energize the Republican base.

Some Republican candidates see Prop. 50 as an opportunity to energize their base and potentially gain down-ballot victories in the 2026 elections, despite the measure's controversial nature.

Pro-Trump groups, led by figures like Brian Pannebecker, warn that Prop. 50 could influence the 2024 midterms by helping Democrats regain control of the House, which could hinder Trump's agenda and lead to further impeachment efforts.