Fight over new US House districts in California could turn on advertising edge in closing days

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FILE - California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

LOS ANGELES – Less than two weeks from Election Day, the fight over new California U.S. House maps that could erase up to five Republican seats is starting to look like a lopsided match-up, with opponents running low on campaign ads and options.

The dynamics of the race can still change, and ballot questions have a history of quirky outcomes in California. But industry data show TV advertising spending — the main pipeline to voters in the vast state — dropping off dramatically by Republicans and other critics of the proposal.

The map pushed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom aims