US justice department sues California over new voting maps favouring Democrats

November 14, 2025

The US Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against California over new congressional maps approved by voters through Proposition 50, alleging they constitute illegal racial gerrymandering that violates the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. Attorney General Pam Bondi claims Governor Gavin Newsom orchestrated a power grab to benefit Democrats by creating five new districts that advantage his party, specifically accusing the state of using Latino demographics improperly. The redistricting effort was launched by Newsom as a counter-measure to Republican redistricting in Texas at President Trump's urging, part of broader nationwide efforts to influence the 2026 midterm elections.

Who is affected

California voters who approved Proposition 50
Democrats who gain advantage in five new congressional districts
Republicans who lose potential seats
Governor Gavin Newsom
Secretary of State Shirley Weber
California Attorney General Rob Bonta
Attorney General Pam Bondi
Latino communities cited in the demographic analysis
"Millions of Californians" referenced as being silenced
The California Republican Party (who filed a separate lawsuit)

What action is being taken

The US Department of Justice is filing a lawsuit in California federal court to block the new maps
Federal prosecutors are accusing Newsom and Weber of mandating racially gerrymandered districts
The Justice Department is seeking to intervene in existing litigation brought by the California Republican Party

Why it matters

This case represents a significant conflict between state and federal authority over redistricting processes, with implications for control of the US House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections. The lawsuit challenges whether California's voter-approved redistricting constitutes illegal racial gerrymandering versus legitimate political strategy, setting a potential precedent for how states can respond to partisan redistricting efforts in other states. The outcome could affect the balance of power in Congress and establish important legal boundaries around the use of demographic data in drawing congressional districts.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC