Columbia College political scientist on Tuesday election's 'biggest prize'

Tuesday was a big night for Democrats, as they won governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey, along with the New York City mayor’s race.

But the biggest prize was in California, according to political science professor Terry Smith, at Columbia College in central Missouri. He told Missourinet that the passage of Prop 50 in California could help Democrats regain control of the U.S. House in 2026.

“California voted to redistrict and to essentially effectively add five Democratic seats to its delegation, which neutralizes what Texas did,” Smith said.

Meanwhile, several other states – including Missouri – are redrawing their congressional maps with only one or two districts being targeted.

Tuesday’s victories does not necessarily mean that the Democratic Party has regained national moment