Democrat California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s push to hold a special election for his state’s gerrymandering campaign in November is expected to cost taxpayers over $200 million, according to a memo from California’s Assembly Republicans.
Newsom announced at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles that Democrats would move forward with an effort to oust roughly six Republicans from the House of Representatives. Assembly Republicans estimate the statewide redistricting election could cost at least $235.5 million — which includes $31.1 million for the California Secretary of State (SOS) and $204.4 million for counties to administer the vote, according to a memo released Thursday.
Republicans based their estimate on the 2021 California gubernatorial recall election, which cost Californians $200.2 million, including $174.1 million in county administrative costs and $26.2 million in SOS costs. (RELATED: ‘It’s Disgusting’: Voters Are Furious With Gavin Newsom For Pulling Rug From Under Passed Ballot Measure)
Since September 2021, inflation, higher postage fees and an increase in registered voters are expected to drive costs higher. The memo noted inflation for salaries, wages, benefits, materials and communication has risen at least 16% since 2021.
During the same year as Newsom‘s recall election, the governor signed Assembly Bill 37, making universal mail-in voting permanent and requiring counties to automatically mail ballots to all active, registered voters.
Since that year, postage costs — 34.5% higher for first-ounce letters and 45% for additional ounces — have significantly increased, with postcards up 52.5% since 2021, according to the memo. With mail-in ballots now mandatory, California has seen a 3.83% increase in registered voters since 2021, as of February.
The California Assembly Republicans, however, warned that costs could rise depending on whether additional voters are registered by November, inflation continues, litigation occurs and potential communications and outreach are required.
California Governor Gavin Newsom waits to speak about the “Election Rigging Response Act” at a press conference. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
In a July 29 press statement, California Republican State Assemblymember Carl DeMaio warned taxpayers could face around $250 million due to inflation, the increase in registered voters and additional fees from lawsuits related to the redistricting efforts.
The push to oust Republicans comes after Newsom repeatedly warned President Donald Trump and other Republicans about Texas’ redistricting efforts, which began in July. During the launch of the gerrymandering campaign, Newsom claimed California would not “sit idle,” alleging that Trump and his administration are shredding U.S. “democracy before our very eyes.”
With the special election set for Nov. 4, voters will have to decide on transferring redistricting authority from the independent commission to the state Legislature. However, despite the campaign push, a recent poll conducted by Politico shows that 64% of Californians are in favor of independent redistricting, with only 36% of voters surveyed backing the return of congressional redistricting authority to the state legislature.
Notably, of the 64% in favor of keeping the commission in authority, 72% were independents, 66% were Republicans and 61% were Democrats.
Aside from the lack of popularity for handing redistricting power to the legislature, the state is also facing an estimated $20 billion deficit, according to CalMatters. The massive deficit comes after state Democrats previously claimed California would only have a $12 billion deficit prior to Newsom and legislative leaders drafting the 2025–26 state budget in June, the outlet reported.
When asked about the potential cost of the special election, Newsom’s office pointed the Daily Caller News Foundation to a response the governor gave at his press conference Thursday. During the event, Newsom was questioned about cost concerns from Riverside County’s registrar, stating that the state of California will fund the expenses.
“No price tag for Democracy,” Newsom added at the press conference.
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