DOJ to Sue California Over Redistricting Plan
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Thursday that it is suing California Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber concerning the state’s new congressional map, which is believed to potentially add up to five Democratic House seats ahead of the midterm elections.
On November 4, California voters approved Proposition 50, a measure that suspends the state’s independent redistricting commission and supports the creation of partisan maps favored by Newsom. The DOJ is joining a lawsuit initiated last week by California Republicans, who contend that the Democratic-supported plan leads to racially segregated congressional districts, violating the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.
Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized the plan, calling it “a brazen power grab that tramples on civil rights and makes a mockery of our democratic process.” She further asserted, “Governor Newsom’s attempts to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians will not work.”
Nearly 65% of voters backed the measure, as reported. Proponents contributed over 100 million dollars to campaign efforts to influence the outcome.
The DOJ stated there is substantial evidence that the new maps were drawn with a focus on Latino demographics and racial considerations, which they claim breaches the Equal Protection Clause.
Jesus A. Osete, the Chief Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, remarked that “Race cannot be used as a proxy to advance political interests,” asserting that California residents were sold illegal maps containing racial elements, which the U.S. Constitution forbids post-2026.
Currently, Republicans hold nine out of California’s 52 House seats. If Proposition 50 is implemented, that number could fall to just four seats, representing only 8 percent of the state’s delegation.
In response to the lawsuit, Newsom stated, “These losers lost at the ballot box and will soon lose in the courts,” posting this on social media.
Newsom’s office has not yet provided a response to inquiries.
Bill Esseri, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, claimed that the maps produced by the California Legislature are illegal and unconstitutional. He emphasized that while California has the freedom to create its own congressional maps, it cannot base those decisions on race.
Previously, California Republicans attempted to have Proposition 50 removed from the ballot, but their case was dismissed by the state Supreme Court.
This lawsuit represents a new chapter in the ongoing redistricting battles across the nation, as both parties aim to secure additional seats before the 2026 elections.
Republican-led legislatures in states like Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina have recently approved congressional maps that add seven Republican-leaning seats, following President Donald Trump’s request. Ohio, which is required to adopt new maps, also sanctioned updated redistricting on October 31 that could enable Republicans to gain two more seats in 2026.
