Soros donates $10 million to Gavin Newsom's California campaign
4 Min Read
George Soros has donated $10 million to support Gavin Newsom’s California redistricting measure, Proposition 50, aiming to counter Republican gains in the US House.
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom answers questions after signing legislation calling for a special election on a redrawn congressional map on Thursday, August 21, 2025, in Sacramento, California, US (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The family of billionaire financier George Soros has contributed $10 million to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s campaign supporting a ballot measure to redraw the state’s congressional district lines.
According to the New York Times, citing sources with direct knowledge of the fundraising efforts, the Soros family's donation makes it the single largest contribution in favor of the initiative.
The donation comes amid heightened political polarization in the United States, as US President Donald Trump continues to target Soros and his family, accusing them of fueling civil unrest.
Governor Newsom is championing Proposition 50, a November ballot measure that would temporarily suspend California’s independent redistricting commission to adopt new congressional maps.
The proposal is intended to counterbalance Republican-dominated states like Texas, which recently approved gerrymandered maps projected to secure up to five new Republican seats in the US House of Representatives ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Newsom argues that Proposition 50 could allow Democrats to create a similar number of safe seats in California, effectively neutralizing gains made in red states.
Read more: New California: The push for a breakaway state - Newsweek
Trump escalates attacks on Soros and allies
The donation by Soros comes at a politically charged moment. Trump has intensified his rhetoric against Soros and his son, Alex, even calling for legal investigations into their activities. On his social media platform, the US president accused Soros of causing “great damage” to the country and suggested potential RICO charges against the philanthropist and his network.
The attacks have grown sharper in the aftermath of the recent assassination of right-wing figure Charlie Kirk, which Trump and his allies have used to further criticize liberal organizations like George Soros' Open Society Foundation.
In response, Soros-affiliated groups and other liberal organizations issued an open letter defending their philanthropic missions.
Campaign contributions pour in from both sides
Public filings show that Newsom’s campaign has raised approximately $70 million in under two months. Other major donors to the campaign include Silicon Valley investor Michael Moritz ($2.5 million) and Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings ($2 million).
National Democratic organizations have also contributed significantly. The House Democrats’ leading super PAC has transferred $7.6 million, while the Democratic Governors Association’s political arm has added $2 million.
Meanwhile, opposition efforts have also gained momentum. Charles T. Munger Jr., a long-time advocate of California’s independent redistricting process, has donated over $30 million to defeat Proposition 50. Munger was instrumental in the original ballot initiative that removed redistricting authority from state lawmakers.
Read more: Trump vows antifa crackdown after Charlie Kirk killing
Grassroots and labor groups join the fight
Newsom’s team has also leveraged grassroots fundraising and digital outreach. A recent online fundraising event featured high-profile Democratic politicians and influencers, including Senator Elizabeth Warren. According to sources cited by the New York Times, the campaign has processed nearly 700,000 small donations, totaling over $22 million.
Labor unions have also thrown their support behind the measure, with the California Teachers Association alone contributing $3 million out of nearly $20 million from labor-affiliated groups.
Despite the financial backing, Newsom’s campaign has been outspent on advertising so far. AdImpact data indicates that opponents of the measure have spent $10.1 million on TV and digital ads, compared to $7.9 million by supporters.
