KQED's Forum Post-Election Analysis: California's Proposition 50
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Nov 5, 2025 Marisa Lagos is a politics correspondent for KQED and co-host of the Political Breakdown podcast. Guy Marzarotti is also a KQED correspondent focused on California's political landscape. Benjamin Oreskes is a New York Times reporter covering state politics. They discuss California's Proposition 50, highlighting its potential to reshape congressional districts and strengthen Democratic positions. The conversation includes insights into Governor Newsom's political strategy, impacts of voter turnout, and the surprising election victory of NYC's Zoran Mamdani.
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Election As A Referendum On Trump
- Prop 50 was framed as a referendum on Donald Trump to mobilize Democratic voters in an off-year special election.
- Guy Marzorati and Marisa Lagos say that strategy drove massive Democratic turnout and outperformed polls.
Big Fundraising Built Political Momentum
- Newsom invested heavily and raised over $114 million, using small-dollar donors and out-of-state lists to build national profile and contact data.
- Marisa Lagos argues this win strengthens Newsom politically and boosts his potential 2028 standing.
Mail Voting Rhetoric Hurt GOP Turnout
- Trump's attacks on mail-in voting depressed Republican early-vote turnout and complicated GOP turnout strategies in California.
- Guy Marzarotti notes that skepticism of mail voting hurt the GOP's ability to mobilize in statewide contests.