Current Democratic Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, put Proposition 50 on the special election ballot this November 4, 2025. This initiative is a direct response to Texas’ decision to redistrict earlier this year in July, in order to gain more Republican seats in Congress. If passed, Prop 50 will create new democratic congressional districts for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections.
There have been concerns from some Democrats who believe if Republicans remain the majority in government, they will make changes to Title I, Title IX and funding for programs that support low-income students will be reduced or eliminated. According to usnews.com, 86% of Del Mar High School students are minorities, and 64% are economically disadvantaged. If this funding is taken away, or cut, there is the possibility of many students being affected.
Title I supports federal funding for schools with a large number of low income families. Without this funding, resources such as after school and summer learning programs could face reductions. Title IX is a federal law prohibiting gender based discriminatory in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Changes to Title IX could result in less funding for services and fewer protections against these types of discrimination.
“Prop 50 puts our elections back on a level playing field, preserves independent redistricting over the long term and lets the people decide,” Barack Obama, former president stated in a tweet on X Oct. 14 2025.
Prop 50 changes the congressional districts in California until 2030, giving the Democratic Party five extra seats in Congress. This would cancel out the similar ballot measure in Texas, which increased the Republican districts by five.
Supporters of Prop 50 contend that a ‘Yes’ vote and more Democratic influence would help underserved students by ensuring they have access to pre-school, special education, interpretation, equal opportunities, and accurate historical textbooks. This is the type of support Democrats have committed to.
Those that oppose this proposition raise the issue of fairness and representation within elections.
“It doesn’t make any sense to me that because we have to fight Trump, to become Trump. Two wrongs don’t make a right” stated Arnold Schwarzenegger, former governor of California.
“I mean, I know both sides gerrymander for their political gain, but it does affect the ability for Republicans and Democrats and Independents to vote and be represented in congress. And that’s ultimately the scary part.” said Robert Heim, a US history teacher at Del Mar, bringing up a similar point to Schwarzenegger.
“I think that there’s going to be a domino effect. If Texas does it, California is going to do it. What’s stopping New York and Florida and Wisconsin and Minnesota from doing this?” says Heim.
During a conversation with Kara Butler, Director of Special Education for CUHSD, she stated, “And so I think any funding that is related to categorical funds, those are the first that go on the chopping block, unfortunately..”
Although Prop 50 may not affect Del Mar directly, the party in control of congress makes decisions that affect school funding, Title IX and Title I.
“I think we try to very much keep political viewpoints out of our schools to maintain balance, and…maintain a focus on our education, and to allow for everybody’s voice, and to allow for all perspectives to be heard and seen and respected as part of our educational environment.” said Butler.
Remember to vote on or before Nov. 4 to make sure your voice is heard and make your vote count.
