The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against California, challenging new congressional district maps that voters approved last week. Critics say the maps give Democrats a clear advantage while undermining Republican gains from recent redistricting in Texas.
Attorney General Pam Bondi accused Governor Gavin Newsom of a “brazen” attempt to consolidate Democratic power through racially influenced maps. Proposition 50, passed overwhelmingly by California voters, creates five new congressional districts favoring Democrats.
A spokesperson for Newsom responded, asserting, “These opponents lost at the ballot box, and now they will also face defeat in court.” Bondi claims the governor is trying to “entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians” rather than focusing on public safety.
The Justice Department’s complaint, filed in federal court, alleges that Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber orchestrated congressional boundaries that constitute racial gerrymandering—a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. While partisan gerrymandering is legal, using race as a factor is unconstitutional.
According to federal prosecutors, Proposition 50 disproportionately considered Latino demographics and racial factors, essentially using race as a tool for political gain. “Race cannot be a proxy for political advantage, yet that is exactly what the California legislature did,” said Jesus A. Osete, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.
These maps are part of a broader national redistricting effort, which Trump supporters hope will strengthen Republican control of the House in the 2026 midterms. California, in response, argued that its independently drawn maps are designed to counter similar Republican maneuvers in Texas.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta defended the maps, noting previous legal challenges to Proposition 50 had failed. “Californians spoke loud and clear. Their voices must be respected,” Bonta said, adding that the Justice Department is seeking to intervene in ongoing state litigation.
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