Gerrymandering, Prop 50 & California's Political Map Wars

Guest:

Prosecutor & Redistricting Expert Matt Rexroad

Guest Bio: 

Matt Rexroad is one of California’s leading experts on redistricting, gerrymandering, and political maps. A former Yolo County Supervisor and seasoned Republican strategist, he has advised on both local and statewide redistricting efforts. Rexroad’s voice has become central in unpacking Prop 50 — Governor Newsom’s controversial proposal to redraw congressional districts mid-decade, and its implications for representation, fairness, and democracy in the Golden State.

Show Summary

Is California’s redistricting process being hijacked for political gain? In this episode Matt Rexroad breaks down what’s really behind Proposition 50 — and why it could change the future of elections in California. He and Jon Slavet dive into the partisan tactics at play, how rural voices are being erased, and why “elephant-shaped districts” are raising eyebrows across the state. Rexroad also reflects on the history of California’s redistricting reforms, what courts are likely to do next, and why 2028 is the year that explains it all.

Chapters

00:00 – Matt Rexroad on Prop 50 & Political Weaponization

01:15 – The Problem with Mid-Decade Redistricting

03:00 – Why the New Maps Look Like Animal Cartoons

04:50 – How Gerrymandering Undermines Rural Voters

06:40 – Racial vs. Partisan Gerrymandering Explained

08:20 – Legal Challenges and What Comes Next

10:15 – What to Expect After the November Vote

11:30 – Advice for the “No on 50” Movement

12:45 – How This Era Compares to Past California Politics

14:00 – Rapid Fire: What Gives You Hope?

Connect with Matt

Twitter: https://x.com/MattRexroad

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexroad/

Website: https://rexroad.com/

Website: https://strategyinsightshq.com/

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