In Final Week Until Election Day, NAACP Launches $150,000 California Radio Ad Campaign in Support of Prop 50

SACRAMENTO - Today, in the final week until Election Day, the NAACP launched a $150,000 radio ad campaign in California, as part of a strategic effort to boost Black voter turnout in the state and encourage Californians to vote YES on Prop 50. The campaign will focus on media markets in Sacramento, San Francisco, and Riverside-San Bernardino and is part of a multistate campaign to mobilize Black voters and combat disinformation and voter suppression tactics.

This initiative comes as the NAACP pursues litigation against the States of Texas and Missouri, and in counties across the country over their unconstitutional gerrymandering, and against the Trump administration for an executive order that would suppress millions of voters.

"We only have one week left to get this right. California's Prop 50 isn't just a state ballot measure, it's a defining moment for Black political power in this country," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "What happens in California reverberates across the nation. When Black voters show up, representation shifts, priorities shift, and Congress reflects the people it serves. At a time when gerrymandering and voter suppression threaten our constitutional rights, this vote is a chance to expand our voice. The NAACP is committed to ensuring every eligible voter in California understands the stakes. Our future representation in Washington depends on what we do on November 4th."

The radio ad will target Black voters - particularly Black women - ages 35+ and urge them and their community to vote YES on Prop 50.

"Elections don't just shape the presidency - they shape school boards, state legislatures, and our representation in Congress. Every year. Every ballot. Every vote matters," said Dominik Whitehead, NAACP Chief of Field, Membership Growth and Unit Sustainability. "We cannot take this moment for granted. Prop 50 gives Californians the power to defend fair representation and protect our communities from being silenced. We're mobilizing Black voters at the doors, on the phones, and in the airwaves because democracy only works when we all participate. Now is the time to show up, speak out, and make our voices count. Not just for California, but for the entire country."

A transcript of the 60 second ad is included below:

First, they tried to erase our history.

The Pentagon removed training material about the Tuskegee Airmen.

Arlington National Cemetery, removing histories that highlighted Black veterans from its website.

Then they tried to erase our jobs. Black Americans will disproportionately bear the brunt.

Now they think they can erase our votes. Steal five congressional seats, decimating black and brown representation.

Enough is enough. I matter. My rights matter, and our future matters.

That's why I'm voting yes on Prop 50. Prop 50 lets us temporarily redraw California congressional maps to counter the election rigging Trump is trying to pull off in Texas and other states.

Californians across the state are stepping up and using the power of their vote to stop the madness.

So vote yes on Prop 50 by November 4, because we can't let them erase our history or our future.

The ad campaign kicks off on October 28th and runs until November 4th - Election Day - in San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Bernardino. The NAACP is also deploying SMS text messaging, phone bankers, direct mail, and other digital strategies to reach Black voters as part of its GOTV operation, as well as legal support for ballot access challenges.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.