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Lodi council adopts resolution opposing Prop. 50 redistricting after heated public debate
Summary
After more than two hours of public comment and council debate, Lodi's City Council passed an amended resolution opposing Proposition 50’s congressional redistricting plan, citing splits of neighborhoods and reduced constituent access. The vote was 3–2 with an amendment calling out state law protections for neighborhoods and communities of interest.
The Lodi City Council voted Sept. 3 to adopt a resolution opposing California Proposition 50’s temporary redistricting plan, which council members and many residents said would split the city across three congressional districts and dilute local access to federal representatives.
Mayor Cameron Bregman introduced the item saying the measure ‘‘is not Republican or Democrat’’ for the council’s purposes and framed the issue as one of representation and access to federal grant resources. Councilmember Craig Hensley delivered a detailed statement describing how his council district would be divided and arguing that a single, familiar congressional office makes constituent service and coordinated federal advocacy more effective.
The council heard more than two hours of public comment from dozens of residents and community leaders both supporting and opposing Prop. 50. Speakers in favor of the resolution said splitting Lodi would weaken constituent access and complicate local governments’ ability to secure federal resources. Opponents argued that the city should not take a position on a statewide ballot measure and that the voters, not local councils, should decide the issue.
After debate, Councilmember Hensley moved and the council adopted an amended resolution that specifically notes state law’s requirement to avoid splitting neighborhoods or communities of interest when redistricting. The final vote on the amended resolution was recorded as: Councilmember Nakanishi — Yes; Councilmember Hothi — No; Councilmember Craig Hensley — Yes; Mayor Pro Tem (Paz/Yap) — No; Mayor Cameron Bregman — Yes. The motion passed 3–2.
The resolution asks the state legislature and other authorities to consider the impacts on neighborhoods and to avoid dividing the city in ways that weaken constituent service. Councilmembers said the action is intended to send a formal message, not to preempt the statewide vote in November.
What happens next: the city clerk will transmit the amended resolution to state legislative leaders and other relevant offices; residents will be able to vote on Prop. 50 in the special election scheduled by state authorities.
