California voters pass proposition to redraw electoral map, giving Democrats more seats

Canvassers encourage passing motorists to vote Yes on Prop 50 along Bicentennial Way in Santa Rosa, Calif.

Voters in California have passed a ballot measure that will redraw the state’s electoral map, in hopes of giving Democrats an additional five seats in the country’s sharply contested House of Representatives.

The vote on Proposition 50, whose outcome was projected by U.S. news organizations well in advance of a final tally, marks a key victory for California Gov. Gavin Newsom and for the Democratic party, as it seeks to take back power in Congress in mid-term elections next year.

Remaking his state’s map was a response “to what occurred in Texas,” Mr. Newsom has said.

“We’re neutralizing what occurred, and we’re giving the American people a fair chance.”

In July, Mr. Trump called