Billionaire Physicist Charles Munger Jr. Battles Gavin Newsom Over California’s Redistricting Future
Charles Munger Jr., a billionaire physicist and Republican donor, is locked in a high-stakes battle with California Governor Gavin Newsom and the Democratic party. Munger is defending his 2008 redistricting reforms, which created an independent commission to draw congressional maps. Now, he's fighting Proposition 50, a measure backed by Newsom that could temporarily override these maps to benefit the Democratic convention.
Munger, who holds a PhD in atomic physics, has spent over $30 million to protect his reforms. He previously donated to propositions like 11 and 20, which transferred redistricting power to the independent commission. Critics argue Munger's motivations are Republican-focused, but allies insist he's a 'big tent Republican' seeking to broaden the Democratic party's appeal in California.
Newsom, leading the charge for Proposition 50, aims to create up to five new US House seats for the Democratic party. Munger, who briefly identified as a Democrat before joining the Republicans, favours physics over business, and has spent around $14 million on related propositions and a documentary. He's now squaring off against Newsom and the Democratic party in a November race that could reshape the rest of Trump's term and the future of gerrymandering reform.
Munger Jr., having withdrawn financial support from his 'Protect Voters First' committee opposing Proposition 50, is determined to safeguard California's independent redistricting commission. The Democratic party, however, argues he's 'spending millions to help Trump rig the election', citing his donations to anti-abortion and anti-gay marriage groups. The November showdown promises to be a pivotal moment in California's political landscape.
