Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has joined California Gov. Gavin Newsom in promoting Proposition 50, a ballot measure that would redraw congressional district maps in California. The measure will be decided by voters in a special election this November, as reported [1] by Fox News.
Newsom released a video on X featuring Ocasio-Cortez, where she urged Californians to back Prop 50, framing it as a fight against President Donald Trump.
“Trump is redrawing maps to force a Congress that only answers to him — not the people,” Newsom said while posting the clip. “@AOC knows California can stop him with Prop 50.”
The New York congresswoman appeared in both English and Spanish versions of the ad, which was funded by Yes on 50.
“Prop 50 levels the playing field and gives power back to the people,” Ocasio-Cortez said in the video, encouraging voters to “fight for democracy in all 50 states” by supporting the measure.
If passed, Prop 50 would allow California’s Democratic-controlled legislature to create five new Democrat-leaning districts, intended to offset recent redistricting in Texas.
Earlier this year, President Trump supported Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Republicans in securing five additional GOP-leaning districts. Other states, including Missouri and Ohio, are also considering redistricting plans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
“California, you know we don’t back down from a fight,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “And this November, the fight belongs to you.” The video has drawn more than two million views within 24 hours of its release, according to Newsom’s post.
Trump is redrawing maps to force a congress that only answers to him — not the people. @AOC [2] knows California can stop him with Prop 50. pic.twitter.com/lyVL2lu5lv [3]
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) September 23, 2025 [4]
The campaign drew immediate criticism from Republicans in the state. The California Republican Party accused Newsom of “relying on a New Yorker” to influence California’s elections.
WATCH: @GavinNewsom [5] is relying on New Yorker @AOC [2] to tell Californians how to vote.
It’s part of their disturbing pattern: silence the debate, control the outcome, and erase the people who think differently.
Don’t let them rig the system. Vote NO on Prop 50! https://t.co/3dr0eaWCiD [6] pic.twitter.com/f1MMsb9U7b [7]
— California Republican Party (@CAGOP) September 23, 2025 [8]
“It’s part of their disturbing pattern: silence the debate, control the outcome, and erase the people who think differently. Don’t let them rig the system. Vote NO on Prop 50!” the state GOP posted on X.
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger also weighed in, opposing the Democratic redistricting effort.
Democratic strategist Rebecca Katz praised the decision to feature Ocasio-Cortez. “Seven years in, some politicians are finally understanding why bringing @AOC into our fight is a good thing!” she wrote on X.
The release of the ad coincided with reports that Ocasio-Cortez may be considering a 2028 presidential or Senate run. Axios reported that her team is positioning her for a future campaign.
The speculation grew earlier this year when Ocasio-Cortez joined Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., on his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, and her campaign account posted a widely viewed video proclaiming, “We are one.”
Do not let them trick you into thinking we are enemies.
Do not let them trick you into thinking that we can be separated into rural and urban, Black and white and Latino.
We are one. pic.twitter.com/5rfXO1oJAT [9]
— Team AOC (@TeamAOC) April 23, 2025 [10]
When asked by Fox News Digital in April if she was considering a presidential campaign in 2028, Ocasio-Cortez did not rule it out.
Her rising profile comes as Democrats continue to regroup after significant losses in 2024. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, in her newly released book 107 Days, described Ocasio-Cortez as having a “joyful warrior vibe” and praised her ability to explain complex policy.
Neither Newsom nor Ocasio-Cortez responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital regarding the Prop 50 campaign.