Redistricting Is Sexy! A Look Back on Prop 50 with CPF Fellow Seema Mehta

About this episode

The episode features a discussion on redistricting and its implications for political representation in the U.S.

Spring 2026 CPF Fellow Seema Mehta joins redistricting experts Christian Grose, Paul Mitchell, Matt Rexroad, and Amy Thoma Tan for a conversation on Prop 50, redistricting, and the future of representation in the United States. They discuss the history of redistricting, California's Proposition 50, Texas's redistricting bill, and how this influences political power, changing political norms, and the upcoming 2026 midterms. This conversation is part of Mehta's study group "Politics, Polls, and Punditry — the Inner Workings of Modern-Day Campaigns." Featuring: -Christian Grose: Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, USC; Director, Democracy and Fair Elections Lab at USC Dornsife -Paul Mitchell: Democratic Redistricting Strategist -Matt Rexroad: GOP Redistricting Strategist -Amy Thoma Tan: President, Cobalt Public Affairs -Seema Mehta: Veteran National & State Reporter, Los Angeles Times; Spring 2026 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -Diego Andrades: Assistant Director, USC Center for the Political Future

People in this episode

Host: Seema Mehta

Guests: Christian Grose, Paul Mitchell, Matt Rexroad, Amy Thoma Tan

Topics covered

• redistricting
• political representation
• California Proposition 50
• Texas redistricting
• political power
• 2026 midterms

Keywords

• redistricting
• Proposition 50
• California
• Texas
• political power
• 2026 midterms
• political norms

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Los Angeles Times, USC Center for the Political Future, Cobalt Public Affairs

Places: California, Texas

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