Prop. 50 Could Nudge Merced and Stanislaus Counties to the Political Left, Experts Say

Voters in Stanislaus and Merced counties showed less enthusiasm for Proposition 50 than elsewhere in California – to no one’s surprise.

Garth Stapley

The Modesto Focus

As of Nov. 6, voters throughout the Golden State were embracing the redistricting initiative by nearly 64%, potentially making it easier for Democrats to pick up more U.S. House seats in next year’s midterm elections.

Prop. 50 is California’s answer to President Donald Trump prompting Texas to gerrymander its congressional districts, adding up to five GOP representatives in 2026 – and affecting the House’s balance of power, and by extension, Trump’s reach.

In contrast to most of California, the margin of Prop. 50’s early return “yes” votes in Merced County was less than 53%. And a majority of Stanislaus voters – nearly