Newsom Tells Donors: Stop Sending Money—We’ve Won

A Bold Move Just Days Before Election
What Is Proposition 50?
Fundraising Numbers Tell the Story
National Implications and 2028 Buzz
Early Ballot Returns Favor Democrats
Sources

Newsom Tells Donors: Stop Sending Money—We’ve Won

In a move that stunned political insiders and campaign veterans alike, California Governor Gavin Newsom instructed his supporters to stop donating to his redistricting campaign—more than a week before Election Day.

On Monday, October 27, 2025, Newsom’s campaign sent an email to millions of small-dollar donors with a simple message: “You can stop donating now.” The announcement came as polls showed Proposition 50—a measure backed by Newsom to redraw California’s congressional districts—leading by a wide margin.

What Is Proposition 50?

Proposition 50 is an emergency redistricting measure aimed at countering aggressive Republican-led map changes in states like Texas. Newsom argues the California plan would neutralize efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to eliminate up to five Democratic congressional seats nationwide.

If passed, the new California maps would likely unseat five Republican incumbents in the state’s delegation—shifting the balance of power in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Fundraising Numbers Tell the Story

The financial disparity between the Yes and No camps is staggering:

Side	Total Raised (2025)	Cash on Hand (as of Oct. 18)
Yes on Prop 50 (Newsom)	$114 million	$37 million
No on Prop 50 (Opposition)	$44 million	<$2.5 million

Newsom’s team reported raising $38 million from 1.2 million small donors in just 10 weeks—a haul typically seen only in presidential races. Meanwhile, the opposition, once expected to spend up to $100 million, has largely gone silent on TV and digital ads.

National Implications and 2028 Buzz

Political strategists say Newsom’s decision isn’t just about California—it’s a calculated signal to the national Democratic Party.

“He’s running for president in 2028. That’s a smart thing,” said Bill Burton, a veteran Democratic strategist who worked on Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign. By halting small-dollar fundraising early, Newsom builds trust with donors and positions himself as a confident, decisive leader.

Newsom himself hinted at a 2028 run during a CBS News interview on October 26: “Yeah, I’d be lying otherwise… I’d just be lying. And I’m not — I can’t do that.”

Early Ballot Returns Favor Democrats

As of October 27, more than 4.2 million Californians—about 18% of all mailed ballots—have already voted. According to Political Data Inc., Democrats account for 51% of returned ballots, outpacing their 45% share of registered voters.

Republicans are also turning out at higher-than-expected rates, but the gap favors Newsom’s coalition. With most ad buys locked in and early voting surging, analysts believe the window for a late opposition surge has closed.