Republican Party of Merced County Resolution Opposing California Proposition 50 (Election Rigging Response Act)

Proposed by: Gene D. Johnson Jr., Chair of RPMC

Date Introduced: September 20, 2025

Referred to: Central Committee of the Republican Party of Merced County

WHEREAS, the people of California established the California Citizens Redistricting Commission to ensure independent, citizen-led congressional redistricting, promoting transparency and reducing partisan gerrymandering; and

WHEREAS, Proposition 50, a legislative constitutional amendment appearing on the November 4, 2025 ballot, would authorize the Legislature to adopt temporary congressional district maps beginning in 2026 and delay the Commission’s next map until 2031; and

WHEREAS, a “Yes” vote on Proposition 50 would allow legislative-drawn maps to be used for several years, undermining the independent redistricting process previously approved by voters; and

WHEREAS, Proposition 50 would give Sacramento politicians the ability to manipulate congressional districts for partisan advantage, removing authority from the Citizens Redistricting Commission and placing it in the hands of elected officials; and

WHEREAS, this shift would allow legislators to draw their own district maps, creating a conflict of interest that could make their reelection nearly inevitable — a direct threat to fair representation and voter choice; and

WHEREAS, unlike Proposition 20, which preserves citizen-led redistricting, Proposition 50 undermines that process by transferring power to those who stand to benefit most from gerrymandered maps; and

WHEREAS, the California Republican Party and numerous county GOP organizations have expressed concern over the rushed nature of Proposition 50, the lack of public input, and the dangerous precedent of allowing legislators to draw maps that could favor the party in power; and

WHEREAS, the Republican Party of Merced County firmly believes that consistent, nonpartisan, and transparent redistricting—led by an independent commission—is essential to protecting voter choice, community representation, and public trust in elections; and WHEREAS, Merced County voters reside in Congressional District 13, a highly competitive district vital to Central Valley representation in Washington, D.C.;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Republican Party of Merced County opposes Proposition 50 and urges all registered voters in Merced County to vote NO on Proposition 50 in the November 4, 2025 special election.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Republican Party of Merced County will:

1. Publicly communicate this resolution via the party website, social media platforms (including X, formerly Twitter), and the next party newsletter; 

2. Promote voter registration and turnout on Election Day and during voter registration drives throughout Merced County;

3. Coordinate with Central Committee members and partner Republican organizations to distribute factual information explaining the party’s position; and

4. Authorize the Chair (or their designee) to transmit copies of this adopted resolution to the California Republican Party, local elected officials, the Merced County Board of Supervisors, and local media outlets.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 28 day of September, 2025, by the Republican Party of Merced

County by the following vote:

AYES: 16 ______

NOES: 0 ______

ABSTAIN: 0 ______

ABSENT: 0 ______

Chair, Republican Party of Merced County  //signed, 28 Sep 2025, GDJ//

Secretary, Republican Party of Merced County //signed, 28 Sep 2025, BS//