Assemblyman Carl DeMaio has submitted a complaint to the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), raising concerns about possible violations of state lobbying laws connected to Proposition 50’s redistricting process. DeMaio alleges that Democratic consultants and organizations involved in the effort engaged in unreported “shadow lobbying.”
DeMaio filed the complaint on Friday, August 29, 2025. In his statement, he said: “Californians have the right to know who is attempting to buy influence with their elected state representatives–but in the case of Prop 50 redistricting legislation, the public has been deprived of that transparency. I’m calling on the FPPC to launch an immediate investigation to enforce our lobbying transparency laws and help get to the bottom of the mystery of ‘Who Drew The Maps’ that surrounds this corrupt redistricting scheme.”
California law requires lobbyists and organizations attempting to influence legislation or government decisions to register and report their activities. The FPPC is responsible for ensuring compliance with these rules.
If proven, shadow lobbying can undermine public trust by allowing undisclosed parties to shape policy outside established channels.
