A California Democratic Party official was caught on hidden camera admitting that Gov. Gavin Newsom is funneling funds from a state redistricting initiative into his own 2028 presidential campaign.
The admission was revealed in new undercover footage released by O’Keefe Media Group (OMG).
The footage shows Ross Pike, a regional director for the California Democratic Party, speaking with an undercover OMG journalist.
Pike appears to acknowledge that Newsom is using funds from the campaign for Proposition 50.
Prop 50 is a George Soros-funded ballot measure, led by Newsom, that was passed during Tuesday’s elections.
The Democrat governor has allegedly been moving the Prop 50 funds toward what Pike described as Newsom’s 2028 presidential campaign war chest.
“Let’s say he [Newsom] opens up a committee and he wants to run for senate, for example,” Pike said, suggesting the governor is preparing a national run.
“…Start fundraising into that and then wants to run for president, transfers the money over to that account.”
Pike added that Newsom is “the major funder of that initiative,” and that he could “transfer it to a PAC and yeah.”
When asked whether the maneuver is legal, Pike responded:
“Depending on how you do it.”
Potential Conflict With State Campaign Finance Law
O’Keefe noted that the conduct described in the video would violate California law.
Under California Government Code §89519, surplus campaign funds can only be used for:
• Paying outstanding campaign debts
• Repaying contributors
• Charitable donations
• Contributions to a political party committee
Using funds from a state ballot initiative to bankroll a future presidential run is not permitted under California’s campaign finance restrictions.
Neither Newsom’s office nor the Prop 50 campaign committee had responded to requests for comment at the time the footage was released.
Pike Also Describes Gerrymandering Intent Behind Prop 50
In the hidden-camera recording, Pike also appeared to acknowledge that Prop 50’s true purpose is partisan redistricting.
Pike told the undercover journalist that the initiative’s goal is effectively gerrymandering to ensure the state remains in Democrat control and to “keep Republicans out of office.”
Prop 50, approved by voters on Tuesday with 64% support, gives California lawmakers expanded authority to redraw state legislative and congressional districts.
Pike Claims He Has Warned Illegal Aliens About ICE Locations
In another portion of the footage, Pike claimed he has personally helped illegal immigrants avoid federal detention.
He said he has warned individuals without legal status about where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were stationed, according to the undercover recording.
WATCH:
Caught on Hidden Camera: CA Dem Party Insider Admits to Intentional Gerrymandering & Reveals a Strategy for Newsom to Funnel Prop 50 Donations Into a 2028 Presidential War Chest.
Ross Pike, Regional Director for the CA Democratic Party, details how Prop 50 funds could be… pic.twitter.com/jloE2nugbF
— James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) November 5, 2025
Republicans File Suit to Block Prop 50
Following the ballot measure’s passage, California Republicans filed a lawsuit on Wednesday seeking to block Prop 50 from taking effect.
The lawsuit argues that the measure violates the state constitution and was crafted to entrench Democratic power.
READ MORE – Child Trafficking Surges in California as Newsom Soft-Launches White House Bid
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