The California Republican Party has filed a lawsuit to block new congressional maps approved by voters through Proposition 50.
The lawsuit, filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, claims the maps are unconstitutional for using race as a factor to favor Hispanic voters. The legal action comes just hours after the measure passed, which aims to flip up to five House seats for Democrats.
Governor Gavin Newsom championed Proposition 50 as a response to gerrymandering efforts in Republican-led states like Texas, which were supported by President Trump. The new maps replace those drawn by an independent commission and are designed to counterbalance Republican gains in other states. Despite the lawsuit, Democrats express confidence that the maps will withstand legal scrutiny.
The lawsuit is part of a broader trend, with at least 15 redistricting cases filed nationwide since July, including in Texas and North Carolina. The case also coincides with a Supreme Court case, Louisiana v. Callais, which could impact the use of race in drawing political maps. California Republicans are seeking a federal court injunction by December to prevent the maps from taking effect, arguing candidates need clarity on district boundaries for the upcoming primaries.
Governor Newsom’s office dismissed the lawsuit’s potential success, while state Democratic leaders accused Republicans of aligning with Trump at the expense of voter interests. The results of Proposition 50 will be certified on December 12, and the new maps will be used for the next three election cycles.
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