Soros funds significant contribution to Newsom's redistricting campaign, intended to combat Trump's influence, according to reports.
In a significant development, California Governor Gavin Newsom's ballot initiative to redistrict the state has received a substantial boost with a $10 million donation from philanthropist George Soros. This announcement was reported by The New York Times on Friday, citing two sources with direct knowledge.
The proposition, known as Proposition 50, will appear on California ballots for a special election on Nov. 4. The initiative aims to counter the Trump administration's promotion that Republicans in states such as Texas redistrict their own lines.
Newsom stated that with the consent of the people, they will pick up five seats through this initiative. This move has been met with both support and criticism, with California Republicans suing to stop Newsom and Democrats from pushing a redistricting plan.
The donation from Soros, founder of the Open Society Foundations, a $25 billion nonprofit, has helped build Newsom's war chest for the redistricting effort to roughly $70 million.
Meanwhile, in Texas, the Texas Legislature passed a similar measure in August, with Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signing the new lines into law that same month. However, in a bid to prevent a redrawn congressional map for the state ahead of the 2026 midterms, dozens of Democratic state lawmakers fled Texas in August to prevent a quorum.
President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism of both California's and Texas' redistricting efforts. In an interview with CNBC, Trump criticized California's efforts, stating that Texas has the opportunity to pick up five seats. In August, Trump wrote on Truth Social, "Soros, and his group of psychopaths, have caused great damage to our Country! That includes his Crazy, West Coast friends. Be careful, we're watching you!"
When reached for comment, neither the Open Society Foundations nor Newsom's office immediately replied.
Digital's Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.
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