SACRAMENTO, Calif. (RTWNews) — In a bold move, California Republicans have filed a federal lawsuit on Wednesday aimed at blocking a new U.S. House map that was decisively approved by voters through Proposition 50. The proposition, heavily backed by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, seeks to strategically reshape congressional districts to help Democrats gain up to five seats in the upcoming midterm elections.
The lawsuit alleges that the map's creators improperly considered race as a deciding factor in favoring Hispanic voters, which the plaintiffs argue violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment and the voting rights guaranteed by the 15th Amendment. The complaint was submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Mike Columbo, representing the plaintiffs including a Republican state lawmaker and 18 additional voters, emphasized at a press conference that the map design is essentially a form of racial favoritism. 'The map is designed to favor one race of California voters over others,' he stated.
Governor Newsom's office responded via social media, indicating that while they have yet to review the lawsuit, they are confident in the legal sustainability of the newly drawn boundaries.
As the timeline progresses, it remains uncertain whether a three-judge panel will issue a temporary restraining order prior to December 19, when candidates for the 2026 elections can commence gathering signatures to reduce their filing fees. Columbo expressed optimism about receiving a ruling in the near future as Republicans have encountered various legal challenges against the Democrats' redistricting efforts, mostly without success.
The developing situation highlights ongoing tensions between California Republicans and Democrats as the state gears up for a critical election cycle.
The lawsuit alleges that the map's creators improperly considered race as a deciding factor in favoring Hispanic voters, which the plaintiffs argue violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment and the voting rights guaranteed by the 15th Amendment. The complaint was submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Mike Columbo, representing the plaintiffs including a Republican state lawmaker and 18 additional voters, emphasized at a press conference that the map design is essentially a form of racial favoritism. 'The map is designed to favor one race of California voters over others,' he stated.
Governor Newsom's office responded via social media, indicating that while they have yet to review the lawsuit, they are confident in the legal sustainability of the newly drawn boundaries.
As the timeline progresses, it remains uncertain whether a three-judge panel will issue a temporary restraining order prior to December 19, when candidates for the 2026 elections can commence gathering signatures to reduce their filing fees. Columbo expressed optimism about receiving a ruling in the near future as Republicans have encountered various legal challenges against the Democrats' redistricting efforts, mostly without success.
The developing situation highlights ongoing tensions between California Republicans and Democrats as the state gears up for a critical election cycle.
