Gavin Newsom (D) was desperate to pass Proposition 50 to prove his bona fides to 2028 primary voters, Virginia Gov. Democrats have responded with a referendum in California, which is likely to help the party pick up five seats in the bright blue state. If the referendum passes, Democrats could essentially draw even or even potentially come out ahead. “We have to convince voters Democrats are the ones overreaching now,” said one GOP operative with extensive experience in Virginia who requested anonymity to speak frankly about party strategy. “When other states take extreme measures, I trust Virginia voters to respond,” Spanberger said in a statement after signing the bill creating the redistricting referendum.

Source: Huffington Post February 17, 2026 16:16 UTC