Billionaire donor George Soros has contributed $10 million to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ballot initiative to redraw the state’s congressional districts, The New York Times reported Friday, as reported by Fox News.
The donation is the single largest given to the campaign, according to two sources cited by the outlet.
Soros, the founder of the $25 billion Open Society Foundations, has long financed left-leaning political campaigns ranging from local district attorney races to national contests. His son, Alex Soros, took over as chair of the Open Society Foundations board of directors in 2022.
The donation boosts Newsom’s campaign fund for Proposition 50, the California redistricting measure, to about $70 million.
Newsom launched the initiative earlier this year, arguing it is a response to Republican-led redistricting efforts in states such as Texas, supported by President Donald Trump.
“We are talking about emergency measures to respond to what’s happening in Texas, and we will nullify what happens in Texas,” Newsom said in August while promoting Proposition 50.
The push comes after Texas Republicans approved new congressional maps during a special session in August 2025. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers left the state at the time, traveling to states including Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York to block a quorum.
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Their absence delayed the vote but ultimately did not prevent passage, as Gov. Greg Abbott signed the new maps into law later that month.
Proposition 50 will appear on California’s ballot in a special election scheduled for Nov. 4. Newsom has argued the plan could add five congressional seats for Democrats.
“We’ll pick up five seats with the consent of the people. And that’s the difference between the approach we’re taking and the approach they’re taking,” he said in August.
“We’re doing it on a temporary basis. We’re doing it in a fully transparent way, and we’re doing it by asking the people of the state of California for their consent and support.”
President Trump voiced support for Texas Republicans’ redistricting efforts, telling CNBC in August that the changes could deliver additional GOP seats.
“In California, it’s all gerrymandered,” Trump said.
“And we have an opportunity in Texas to pick up five seats. We have a really good governor, and we have good people in Texas. And I won Texas. I got the highest vote in the history of Texas, as you probably know, and we are entitled to five more seats.”
Trump has also repeatedly criticized Soros for his political spending. “Soros, and his group of psychopaths, have caused great damage to our Country! That includes his Crazy, West Coast friends. Be careful, we’re watching you!” Trump posted on Truth Social in August.
Neither Newsom’s office nor the Open Society Foundations responded to requests for comment on the donation.
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