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Infantino hints Trump could receive FIFA’s new Peace Prize at World Cup draw

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 FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sparked speculation that President Donald Trump may be the first recipient of the organization’s newly created FIFA Peace Prize, saying only that the public “will see” during the World Cup draw on Dec. 5 in Washington.

The announcement of the FIFA Peace Prize marks the global soccer body’s latest initiative to “recognize exceptional actions for peace,” according to a statement released Wednesday. The award, which Infantino will personally present, is intended to honor individuals who have made significant efforts to end conflict and promote unity “in an increasingly unsettled and divided world.”

Infantino made his remarks while speaking at the America Business Forum in Miami, shortly after Trump addressed the same event. Asked directly if Trump would receive the inaugural prize, the FIFA president declined to confirm or deny, saying, “On the 5th of December, you will see.”

Infantino emphasized the need to spotlight figures who bring people together across global divides. “It’s fundamental to recognize the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace,” he said. The governing body added that the Peace Prize would be awarded annually “on behalf of fans from all around the world.”

The new FIFA honor comes just weeks after Trump was passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize, despite heavy lobbying from Republican allies and some international figures. Infantino, however, has not hidden his admiration for the president, describing their relationship as “close” and lauding Trump’s involvement in supporting preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico.

“I’m really lucky. I have a great relationship with President Trump, who I consider really a close friend,” Infantino said. “Of course, he’s been very helpful in everything we do for the World Cup. He has such incredible energy, and that’s something I admire. He does things. He says what he thinks. He says what many people think but maybe don’t dare to say — and that’s why he’s so successful.”

The connection between FIFA and Trump’s circle was further strengthened when Ivanka Trump was appointed to the board of a $100 million education initiative, partially funded by ticket sales from the 2026 tournament.

The World Cup draw, where the Peace Prize will be formally awarded, is expected to attract around 1 billion global viewers, underscoring the worldwide reach of both the event and the newly announced award.

 U.S. arrests 5 in California wanted by Germany for €300 million fraud scheme

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The United States has arrested five fugitives wanted by German authorities in connection with a massive international fraud network accused of defrauding thousands of victims of more than €300 million and establishing a shadow financial system across Germany.

The arrests, made in California, followed a formal request from the Federal Republic of Germany under existing extradition treaties. The fugitives — four U.S. citizens and one Canadian national — were taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service and made their initial appearances in federal court on Wednesday in the Central District of California.

Those arrested include Medhat Mourid, of Woodland Hills; Andrew Garroni, of Los Angeles; Guy Mizrachi, of Agoura Hills; Ardeshir Akhavan, of Irvine; and Tunde Benak, a Canadian national also residing in Irvine.

According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, German prosecutors allege that the group was part of an elaborate network involving German payment service processors. The network allegedly created millions of recurring, fraudulent debit and credit card transactions tied to fictitious online merchants. The false charges were typically kept below €50 to avoid drawing suspicion from victims, investigators said.

The charges were linked to websites that appeared legitimate but were only accessible through direct links or specific URLs, making them difficult for authorities or victims to trace. German officials allege that the operation relied on collusion with executives and compliance officers at German payment service processors, allowing the fraudulent transactions to continue unchecked for years.

The scheme, according to Germany’s allegations, not only defrauded victims but also effectively created a “shadow financial system” within the country, operating outside normal regulatory oversight.

The arrests were coordinated as part of a wider international effort spanning several countries, including Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Cyprus, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California, and Director Gadyaces S. Serralta of the U.S. Marshals Service jointly announced the arrests.

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) within the Justice Department, which serves as the central authority for U.S. criminal matters involving foreign governments, worked closely with German prosecutors to coordinate the arrests and ensure compliance with U.S. legal standards for extradition.

OIA also facilitated cross-border coordination meetings and collaborated directly with the German public prosecutor’s office to secure the legal documentation necessary for the arrests.

The U.S. Marshals Service in the Central District of California executed the operations in tandem with law enforcement actions overseas. All five suspects are being held pending extradition to Germany, where they face multiple charges under German law related to large-scale financial fraud.

DOJ

 Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum vows legal reform after being groped on street; suspect arrested

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 Indiana, PA (BN24) – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday she would pursue national legal reform to make sexual harassment a criminal offense in all states after a man groped and attempted to kiss her during a public walk in Mexico City.

The incident occurred Tuesday as Sheinbaum walked toward an event near the National Palace, greeting supporters and taking photos with bystanders. Videos circulating on social media show a man approaching the president from behind, wrapping his arm around her shoulder, and touching her hip and chest while trying to kiss her neck.

Security personnel swiftly intervened and pulled the man away. Authorities said he appeared intoxicated and was later taken into custody. The complaint was filed with the Mexico City prosecutor’s office, where sexual harassment is already punishable by law.

Speaking at her daily morning press conference, Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, explained that she decided to press charges after learning the man had continued harassing other women following the incident.

“My view is, if I don’t file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women?” she said. “If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?”

The president said she intends to push for a nationwide campaign and legislative review to ensure sexual harassment is treated as a crime in all 32 federal districts of Mexico. “It should be a criminal offense everywhere,” she said, adding that she had endured similar harassment when she was younger.

Despite the assault, Sheinbaum was seen in the footage responding calmly, briefly posing for a photo with the man before realizing the extent of what occurred. “This person approached me completely drunk. I didn’t realize what had really happened until I saw the videos,” she said.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the president’s security detail and reignited debate about the pervasive machismo culture that normalizes harassment in public spaces. According to UN Women, about 70% of Mexican women over the age of 15 have experienced some form of sexual harassment.

Women’s rights groups have condemned the incident as symptomatic of Mexico’s entrenched gender inequality. “If even the president of Mexico is not safe from this kind of aggression, it shows the depth of the problem,” one prominent feminist advocate said on local television.

Sheinbaum said she would not alter her approach to public engagement, reaffirming her commitment to remain close to citizens, even amid heightened security concerns following recent political violence. “A line must be drawn,” she said, “but I will continue walking among the people.”

The assault occurred just days after Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán state, was shot dead during Day of the Dead celebrations. The murder has intensified calls for better protection for politicians and public figures.

Since taking office, Sheinbaum has sought to improve Mexico’s security landscape, focusing on drug cartel violence and fentanyl trafficking — a central issue in her cooperation with U.S. President Donald Trump.

As her administration addresses this latest attack, Sheinbaum said she remains determined to use her platform to fight gender-based violence. “This is not just about me,” she said. “It’s about every woman who deserves to walk safely in her own country.”

Zohran Mamdani unveils all-female transition team as he prepares for New York Mayoralty

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 New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced an all-female transition team on Wednesday as he begins assembling what he described as the most ambitious municipal administration in a generation. The 34-year-old democratic socialist, who will become the city’s first Muslim and first mayor of South Asian heritage, said his team is designed to “build a city hall capable of delivering on the promises of this campaign.”

Speaking at a press conference in Queens, Mamdani introduced Elana Leopold as executive director of the transition team, with Maria Torres-Springer, the city’s former first deputy mayor, and Lina Khan, the former Federal Trade Commission chair under President Joe Biden, serving as co-chairs. They will be joined by Grace Bonilla, president and CEO of United Way, and Melanie Hartzog, former deputy mayor for health and human services.

“In the coming months, I and my team will build a city hall capable of delivering on the promises of this campaign,” Mamdani said. “We will form an administration that is equal parts capable and compassionate, driven by integrity and willing to work just as hard as the millions of New Yorkers who call this city home.”

Mamdani’s choice of Khan — known for her aggressive antitrust stance at the FTC and her popularity among both progressives and populist conservatives — signals his intention to bring reform-minded figures into leadership positions. The mayor-elect said the team’s goal is to ensure readiness by January 1, when he will officially take office.

“We owe it to this city to be ready on January 1 to start delivering,” Mamdani told reporters. “We have 57 days, and those are 57 days to start the work of preparing.”

Mamdani’s victory over Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa marks a historic moment in New York politics, making him the youngest mayor in more than a century and the first born in Africa to lead the city. However, his administration will inherit a host of challenges, including tensions with President Donald Trump, who has publicly threatened to withhold federal funding from New York City under Mamdani’s leadership.

On Truth Social, Trump wrote that if Mamdani became mayor, “it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required,” while labeling him a “communist.” Federal funding currently makes up approximately 6.4% of the city’s $115 billion budget, or about $7.4 billion.

The campaign period saw a surge of Islamophobic attacks directed at Mamdani, who became a U.S. citizen in 2018. Lawmakers including Randy Fine, Andy Ogles, and Chip Roy criticized his candidacy, with some calling for his deportation. A report by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate found that Islamophobic posts about Mamdani rose 450% between September and October.

Despite the hostility, Mamdani reiterated his focus on uniting New Yorkers. “I’m confident in delivering these same policies that we ran on for the last year,” he said. “No matter what your politics, we’re all facing the same issues.”

Mamdani campaigned on a sweeping progressive agenda including a rent freeze, free bus service, universal childcare, and city-run grocery stores, all financed through higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy. His campaign broke fundraising records, amassing over $20 million in small donations averaging just $80.

The transition announcement comes amid broader Democratic victories across the country, including gubernatorial wins by Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia, and the approval of California’s Proposition 50, a redistricting measure aimed at strengthening Democratic congressional prospects.

Mamdani’s incoming administration will begin naming deputy mayors and commissioners in the coming days. “Some of these people will have familiar names, others will not,” he said. “But what will unite them all is a commitment to solving old problems with new solutions.”

“As our city celebrates the inauguration of a new administration,” Mamdani added, “let us also celebrate the beginning of a new era for New York — one we all feel invested in and whose success we all work to achieve.”

Garnacho rescues Chelsea from Champions League setback against Qarabag

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BAKU, Azerbaijan (BN24) — Alejandro Garnacho spared Chelsea from a humiliating Champions League defeat on Wednesday, scoring a crucial second-half equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw with Qarabag at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium.

Enzo Maresca’s side appeared headed for an embarrassing night after falling behind to the Azerbaijani champions despite taking an early lead through Estevao Willian. The 18-year-old Brazilian opened the scoring in the 16th minute, converting from close range after a sharp pass from Andrey Santos.

Qarabag hit back with determination. Leandro Andrade struck in the 29th minute after Camilo Duran’s effort came off the post, and Marko Jankovic put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot before halftime following a handball by Jorrel Hato.

Facing the prospect of their first Champions League away loss since 2022, Chelsea turned to Garnacho. The Argentine winger, a summer signing from Manchester United, came off the bench and fired home from the edge of the area just after the break, earning his side a vital point.

Despite Chelsea’s heavy investment of more than £1.5 billion in recent seasons, the London club struggled to impose itself against a Qarabag squad assembled for less than £7 million since 2020. Both teams now sit on seven points from four matches, keeping their hopes alive for a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the last 16.

Maresca’s lineup featured seven changes from the weekend win at Tottenham as Chelsea contended with travel fatigue and a quick turnaround before Saturday’s Premier League clash against Wolves. The Blues, who arrived in Baku only hours before kickoff, failed to capitalize on several late chances, with Enzo Fernandez and Garnacho both denied by Qarabag goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski.

Once mocked during their debut season in Europe’s top competition, Qarabag have emerged as one of the surprise packages of this campaign, having already beaten Benfica and Copenhagen. Their spirited display against Chelsea underscored why they remain one of the tournament’s most resilient underdogs.

Singapore to enforce mandatory caning for scammers under sweeping new fraud law

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SINGAPORE (BN24) — Singapore is set to introduce mandatory caning as a punishment for convicted scammers, under a sweeping new amendment bill aimed at curbing the country’s fast-rising tide of financial fraud and cybercrime.

The Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, tabled for its second reading in Parliament on Tuesday, November 5, proposes tougher penalties against those involved in scam syndicates, recruitment operations, and financial mule networks that have defrauded thousands of Singaporeans in recent years.

Announcing the move, Senior Minister of State for Home and Foreign Affairs Sim Ann revealed that Singapore had lost more than S$2.8 billion (US$2.05 billion) to scams between 2020 and the first half of 2025. During that period, authorities recorded around 190,000 scam-related cases, marking an unprecedented surge in financial crime facilitated through digital platforms and cross-border syndicates.

“We will introduce mandatory caning for scammers,” Sim declared during her parliamentary speech. “Offenders who commit scams, defined as cheating mainly by means of remote communication, will be punished with at least six strokes of the cane.”

Sim explained that the measure targets syndicates that “mobilise significant resources to conduct and profit from scams” and whose members display “the highest level of culpability.”

Under the proposed legislation, individuals convicted of participating in scam syndicates including recruiters, financiers, or active members, will face between six and 24 strokes of the cane, in addition to existing imprisonment terms.

Those acting as “money mules”, who facilitate the transfer of stolen or illicit funds, could receive up to 12 strokes at the discretion of the courts. The government stated that the intention is to penalize not only the masterminds but also those knowingly enabling fraudulent operations through their financial or logistical support.

The law also extends to suppliers of scam-enabling tools, such as SIM cards, Singpass credentials, or digital payment accounts, who either intended for the tools to be misused or failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent their abuse. Convicted individuals in such cases may also face mandatory caning alongside other penalties.

Authorities emphasized that these amendments are meant to send a clear deterrent message, as scam cases continue to strain police resources and public confidence in digital transactions.

Singapore currently enforces caning for more than 90 criminal offences, including violent crime, vandalism, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration. Of these, 65 offences already mandate caning as part of sentencing.

While the new bill introduces caning for scam-related crimes, it also reduces mandatory caning to discretionary in certain lesser offences, reflecting a calibrated approach to criminal justice. Sim said, however, that “more serious cases should still result in caning,” highlighting the government’s commitment to maintaining tough penalties for crimes with serious social or financial harm.

Beyond the anti-fraud measures, the amendments also propose strengthened protections for minors and vulnerable individuals, and tougher laws against the large-scale distribution of sexual images or videos. Another key provision criminalizes the doxxing of public servants, defined as the act of publishing private information about individuals online without consent — a growing concern amid harassment incidents targeting law enforcement and government officers.

Scams have become one of Singapore’s most pressing law enforcement challenges. In recent years, fraud syndicates operating from overseas have targeted victims through phishing, fake job offers, and impersonation schemes.

Authorities have launched multiple public education campaigns and joint operations with foreign police to dismantle these syndicates, but the financial toll has continued to rise. The Ministry of Home Affairs said the new law represents a “comprehensive step to match deterrence with accountability”, combining strong enforcement with a clear signal that financial crime carries severe consequences.

While human rights groups have previously criticized the use of caning as a corporal punishment, the Singapore government maintains that it is a “measured and effective deterrent” that reflects the city-state’s zero-tolerance stance toward serious offences.

Inter and AC Milan finalize $231 million San Siro Stadium purchase

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MILAN (BN24)— Inter Milan and AC Milan have completed the $231 million purchase of the San Siro stadium site, securing a decisive step toward replacing the iconic arena that has long been the home of both Serie A giants. The clubs announced Wednesday that they had signed the deed of sale with the Municipality of Milan, finalizing the acquisition less than a month after the city council approved the deal.

The agreement allows Inter and AC Milan to proceed with ambitious redevelopment plans for the 28-hectare (70-acre) site on the western outskirts of Milan. The clubs had faced a looming deadline, as failure to complete the purchase by next Monday would have triggered a public building protection order for the San Siro’s distinctive second tier, potentially halting demolition plans.

Under the new project, a modern 71,500-seat stadium will be built immediately west of the current ground, on land now used for matchday parking and a public park. The San Siro will remain in use until the new venue is ready for action.

The current stadium, celebrated as football’s La Scala and the longtime home of Italy’s most decorated European champions, will be largely demolished once the replacement arena is complete. The cleared space will be transformed into parkland, offices, and entertainment facilities designed by Foster and Partners in collaboration with MANICA. The overall redevelopment is valued at roughly 1.2 billion euros.

Inter and AC Milan are aiming for the new stadium to be operational in time for Euro 2032, which Italy will co-host with Turkey. Italy’s football federation must submit its five official stadium selections to UEFA by October 2026, a timeline that aligns with construction plans that are expected to begin by March 2027.

Before its final curtain, the San Siro will host a moment of historic significance as it stages the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on February 6.

Cristiano Ronaldo criticizes Manchester United players’ mindset

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LONDON (BN24)— Cristiano Ronaldo has sharply criticized his former club, Manchester United, suggesting that some players lack the mindset necessary to uphold the club’s historic standards.

Speaking to Piers Morgan on his show Piers Morgan Uncensored, Ronaldo described his disappointment over the current state of a team he considers “one of the most important clubs of the century.” He emphasized his sadness at seeing Manchester United struggle, despite its legacy in world football.

Ronaldo, who returned to United last season before departing again, defended current United coach Ruben Amorim, insisting the Portuguese manager is doing all he can under difficult circumstances.

“He is doing his best,” Ronaldo said. “What are you going to do? Miracles. Miracles are impossible. We say in Portugal, ‘Miracles is only in Fatima.’ And he’s not gonna do miracles.”

Despite praising the talent on the squad, Ronaldo questioned whether some players fully understand the responsibilities of representing Manchester United. “They have good players, but they don’t have, some of them, in mind what Manchester United is,” he said.

Ronaldo also criticized the club’s current structure, contrasting it with the foundation that produced legends like Nicky Butt, Gary Neville, Roy Keane, and David Beckham. “You have to follow with the intelligent people, smart people, to create a base for the future as Manchester United have done so many years ago,” he said.

He concluded with cautious hope for the club’s future: “I hope that changes in the future, present/future, because the potential of the club, it’s amazing. It’s one of the most important clubs of the century.”

Death toll rises to 11 after UPS plane explodes in Kentucky

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A deadly UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, has now claimed at least 11 lives, including a child, as investigators confirm that one of the aircraft’s engines detached mid-takeoff before the massive explosion that engulfed the area.

Federal officials said Wednesday that the McDonnell Douglas MD-11’s left wing caught fire just before its left engine separated and fell to the runway at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The aircraft, bound for Honolulu, lifted briefly off the ground before crashing near the end of the runway around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday.

Todd Inman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said investigators have recovered both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. The engine was later found on the airfield, confirming early reports from airport surveillance footage showing it detaching during takeoff. “There are a lot of different parts of this airplane in a lot of different places,” Inman said, describing a debris field stretching nearly half a mile.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the toll is expected to grow as search teams continue to comb through wreckage spread across multiple properties near the UPS Worldport, the global air hub for the company. “Finding survivors seems unlikely,” Beshear said, calling the crash “one of the most devastating aviation disasters Kentucky has ever seen.”

The inferno consumed the cargo plane and spread to nearby businesses, including Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts, where the governor said a child who died was with a parent. Smaller explosions continued for hours as crews battled the flames, forcing authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for neighborhoods north of the airport to the Ohio River.

Fire Chief Mark Little of the Okolona Fire District said recovery efforts are ongoing and expected to take several days. “It will take us quite a while,” he said. “There’s still debris we have to move and search.”

Hospitals in Louisville reported treating at least 18 people, with two in critical condition in the University of Louisville burn unit.

UPS confirmed that the aircraft, built in 1991, was part of its long-haul international fleet and said it is working closely with federal investigators. “We are terribly saddened,” the company said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the families of those affected and our colleagues at Worldport.”

Louisville Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe emphasized the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on the community. “We all know somebody who works at UPS,” she said. “This hits home for everyone in Louisville.”

Experts say the crash bears striking similarities to the 1979 American Airlines disaster at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, in which a DC-10 lost its left engine during takeoff, killing 273 people. Both aircraft models used General Electric engines.

As the NTSB continues to investigate, officials say determining the exact cause could take months. “It could have been an engine separation that ripped out fuel lines or a fire that burned through the mounting,” said former crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti. “It’s too soon to tell.”

Gov. Beshear said Kentucky’s Team Emergency Relief Fund is accepting donations to help victims’ families with funeral and recovery costs. “In Kentucky, we grieve together and we support one another,” he said.

California voters approve Proposition 50 to redraw state’s congressional map, boosting Democrats ahead of 2026 midterms

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California voters have approved Proposition 50, a ballot measure that will overhaul the state’s congressional map in a move expected to strengthen Democratic prospects in several key districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, CBS News projected Tuesday night.

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a campaign event on Proposition 50, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

The measure — strongly supported by Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic legislative leaders — will replace California’s existing congressional district maps, drawn by the state’s independent redistricting commission, with new maps crafted by the Legislature. The redrawn boundaries aim to make five Republican-held U.S. House seats more competitive for Democrats, a move that Newsom and his allies framed as a response to GOP-led redistricting efforts in states such as Texas.

“It was not just a victory tonight for the Democratic Party — it was a victory for democracy and for the people of this country,” Newsom said after the vote. “We’re proud that California continues to lead the nation in standing up for fairness and representation.”

Reaction across party lines

The passage of Proposition 50 immediately drew both celebration and condemnation.

Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer, a major backer of the initiative, hailed the result as “an enormous victory for our state, our country and our democracy.” Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin called it “a testament to the leadership of Governor Newsom and Democrats across California who refused to back down to President Trump and the Republican Party.”

Republicans, however, blasted the measure as partisan gerrymandering disguised as reform. GOP Rep. Kevin Kiley, whose 3rd District is among those affected, said the measure “burns everything down” by escalating the “redistricting arms race” between states.

Rep. Doug LaMalfa, another Republican whose district will be reshaped, vowed legal action. “Should these results stand, the imbalance between rural and urban voices in California will only worsen,” LaMalfa said. “We expect to file suit this week.”

Jessica Millan Patterson, chair of the “No on Prop 50” campaign, called the measure “a power grab by Sacramento elites” and said the campaign’s defeat was due to “tens of millions poured in to promote these gerrymandered maps.”

What Proposition 50 does

Proposition 50 overturns the state’s independent redistricting process, which voters created to ensure nonpartisan mapmaking after the 2020 Census. Under the new law, the Legislature will take over the process, giving Democrats — who already hold 43 of California’s 52 congressional seats — more influence in shaping the districts.

Democrats have said the change is necessary to counter Republican efforts in states like Texas, where recent redistricting has produced five new GOP-leaning congressional districts.

If Proposition 50 had failed, the state would have continued using the existing maps until after the 2030 Census. Instead, new district lines will now be drawn in time for the 2026 midterms.

The road ahead

Republican opponents, led by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and GOP donor Charles Munger Jr., are preparing court challenges. Munger, who spent more than $30 million opposing the measure, said he was “saddened by the passage of Proposition 50” but added that the campaign “educated Californians about the stakes.”

Newsom, meanwhile, urged other Democratic-led states to follow California’s lead. “We need our friends in New York, Illinois, Virginia and Colorado to meet this moment head-on,” he said.

While Proposition 50 gives Democrats a potential advantage in several House races, analysts caution that outcomes in 2026 will still depend on national trends and voter turnout.

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