DOJ sues California as new congressional map puts House control in jeopardy

Redistricting battle contiues to heat up

Gov. Gavin Newsom participated in a virtual rally for Yes on Prop 50. The measure would dismantle California's independent redistricting commission- which Democrats argue is needed to counter Republican gerrymandering in other states.

SACRAMENTO - The Justice Department's lawsuit against California's new congressional map is a high-stakes political and legal battle targeting the Democratic-led redistricting efforts.

The lawsuit and its goal 

What we know:

The Justice Department (DOJ) filed a complaint in California federal court to block the new congressional district boundaries approved by California voters via Proposition 50 last week. 

The lawsuit joins a case originally brought by the California Republican Party.

The accusation: The Trump administration accuses California of racial gerrymandering by improperly using race as a factor to favor Hispanic voters, which it claims violates the constitution.

The relief sought: The lawsuit asks a judge to prohibit California from using the new map in any future elections.

The motive: The new map was designed to give Democrats a shot at winning five seats currently held by republicans in the 2026 midterm elections. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the redistricting scheme a "brazen power grab" by Governor Gavin Newsom.

The fight for House control 

Big picture view:

This lawsuit is a major front in the national battle over redistricting and control of the U. S. House of Representatives in 2026.

Current house makeup: Republicans hold 219 seats, while Democrats hold 214 seats. Democrats need to gain a small handful of seats to take control of the chamber.

Partisan maneuvering: Proposition 50 was Newsom's response to similar moves by Trump and Republicans in Texas, where they rejiggered districts in hopes of picking up five seats of their own.

National spread: The fight between the nation's two most populous states has prompted Missouri, Ohio, and other states to adopt or consider new district lines to gain partisan advantage.

What they're saying:

The DOJ and Newsom's side have starkly contrasting views on the legality and intent of the new map.

"California’s redistricting scheme is a brazen power grab that tramples on civil rights and mocks the Democratic process... Governor Newsom’s attempt to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians will not stand," Bondi said.

The DOJ lawsuit directly challenges the use of race.

"Race cannot be used as a proxy to advance political interests, but that is precisely what the California General Assembly did with Proposition 50 — the recent ballot initiative that junked California’s pre-existing electoral map in favor of a rush-job rejiggering of California’s congressional district lines."

High-profile engagement

The backstory:

The high-stakes nature of the redistricting effort drew significant national political money and endorsements:

Opposition funding: Opponents received tens of millions of dollars, including a $5 million donation from the congressional leadership fund, a super PAC tied to House Speaker Mike Johnson.

High-profile figures: Former Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger opposed the measure, while former President Barack Obama appeared in ads supporting it, calling it a "smart" approach to counter Republican moves.

The contest provided Newsom, who is considered a likely 2028 presidential contender, with a national political platform.