PR26-10
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
January 14, 2026

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., Issues Statement
about the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
Tangipa v. Newsom Decision

Sacramento, Calif. – California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California’s 2-1 ruling in favor of voters in the Tangipa v. Newsom case:

“Our democracy is worth protecting and today’s ruling was the right result. The Court’s ruling in Tangipa v. Newsom is a victory for California voters who approved Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, during the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election. By an overwhelming 64.4% majority, California voters chose to put their constitutional rights to free and fair elections first and to stand up for our democracy.

By approving Proposition 50, California voters issued a strong rebuke to President Trump's unprecedented demand that the Texas Legislature and Governor find five additional Republican seats.

I am pleased the court acknowledged that the will of California’s voters should prevail. Our democracy is in jeopardy and the fight to maintain our constitutional right to vote must continue. Common sense solutions such as the bipartisan Redistricting Reform Act of 2025 (H.R. 5449), which would level the playing field for all voters by banning mid-decade redistricting, are necessary to prevent senseless disruptions to the election process, like those President Trump initiated. Any solution must ensure that voters can choose their representatives, not the other way around.

As California Secretary of State, it is my role to ensure fair and free elections in my state. As we approach Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, we should honor his legacy by registering and voting in our local, state, and federal elections, so our voices are heard and become part of the decisions made about our lives, our communities, and our country. Our democracy depends on it.”

California Attorney General Bonta added:

“Californians overwhelmingly voted in favor of Proposition 50. Today’s decision upholds the will of the people. It also means that, to date, every single challenge against Proposition 50 has failed. I couldn’t be prouder of my team for successfully defending this ballot initiative in court on behalf of Governor Newsom and Secretary of State Weber. We remain confident in the legality of Proposition 50.”

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