News Summary
A recent poll reveals that over half of registered voters in San Diego County support the state’s congressional redistricting efforts. However, many express concerns about the potential costs of special elections associated with these changes. The survey indicates mixed feelings towards Governor Newsom’s performance and highlights a significant disapproval of Congress. The tension around redistricting reflects broader political sentiments within the region, particularly from Republican critics who see the plan as a partisan move.
San Diego – An exclusive poll conducted by SurveyUSA on behalf of a local news organization reveals that a majority of registered voters in San Diego County support California’s congressional redistricting efforts despite significant concerns over the associated costs of any future special elections.
The poll, carried out from August 18 to 20, surveyed 650 adults, among which 580 were identified as registered voters. The results indicate that 52% of respondents support the current redistricting efforts, while 38% oppose them. The findings also show that if a special election were held today to override the independent commission responsible for the state’s congressional maps, 49% would likely favor the override, whereas 30% would oppose it, with 21% remaining undecided.
Cost factors prominently influence voter opinions regarding the potential special election. The estimated cost of holding such an election is at least $200 million, prompting 41% of voters to indicate that this financial burden would make them less likely to support overriding the independent commission. Conversely, 21% said the cost would make them more likely to support the override, while 25% stated that it would not impact their decision.
In addition to redistricting opinions, the poll assessed the job approval ratings of Governor Gavin Newsom. The results are mixed, with 30% of respondents somewhat approving of his performance and 28% strongly disapproving. This feedback highlights a divided perception among voters regarding Newsom’s leadership.
Regarding his future in politics, 42% of surveyed Democrats announced they would definitely support Newsom in the 2028 Democratic Presidential Primary, while 14% said they would likely back another Democratic candidate. Voter sentiments regarding the state Legislature also registered relatively low, with 44% approval but 40% disapproval noted, and about 17% of respondents expressing uncertainty.
Congress’s performance received even lower marks, as 60% of San Diego County voters disapproved of how Congress has handled its responsibilities, while only 30% approved. The divergence between support for local redistricting and federal performance resonates with broader political sentiments within the region.
California Republicans have voiced strong criticism of the state’s redistricting plan, labeling it as a potential “partisan power grab.” The GOP argues that this move threatens the integrity of the independent redistricting process established after a controversial 2008 referendum. Assemblymember Carl DeMaio and other Republican legislators have called for a nonpartisan approach to redistricting, reflecting their concern that the current proposal may skew towards benefiting Democratic candidates.
The impetus for revising California’s congressional map is partly based on recent Republican gains in Texas, with intentions to shift five Republican-held congressional districts towards Democratic advantages. The proposed changes to the redistricting maps would only take effect if other states, particularly Republican-led ones, also engage in redistricting efforts during this mid-decade period.
The ongoing debate surrounding the potential special election to temporarily override the independent commission indicates a broader conversation about voter representation and electoral integrity in California. Established to avoid partisan conflicts, the current independent maps have been established as a measure to ensure fair representation, a stark contrast to previous partisan struggles that plagued the state’s redistricting efforts.
As lawmakers and voters continue to deliberate on the future of redistricting in California, the polling data provides critical insights into public sentiment and highlights the importance of cost considerations as they relate to governance and electoral processes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
California’s Redistricting Controversy: A Shift in Power?
Governor Newsom’s Controversial Redistricting Plan
Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- Wikipedia: Redistricting in the United States
- San Diego Union Tribune
- Google Search: Redistricting California
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Google Scholar: California redistricting
- 10 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Redistricting
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Google News: California redistricting 2025
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
