Another local tax initiative has been defeated by voters. Sales tax ballot measures have not fared well in Shasta County. The latest, Measure A, was seen as having a better chance because it was just for Redding and only required a simple majority. However, the latest numbers show it has been defeated by a 64% to 36% margin.
Meanwhile, the new Congressional map approved by California voters marked a victory for Democrats in the national redistricting battle playing out ahead of the 2026 midterm election. But Republicans are still ahead in the fight. President Donald Trump began the unusual mid-decade redistricting this Summer by urging Republican-led states to redraw House Districts to try to win more seats in next year’s election. Texas responded first, with a new map aimed at gaining five seats for Republicans. California’s new map could counter that with five additional seats for Democrats. Redistricting in Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio leaves Republicans still ahead. But more states soon could take up redistricting.
-Steve Gibson