Justice Department sues to block California US House map in clash that could tip control of Congress
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A blocking lawsuit was filed against the Justice Department on Thursday. new congressional district boundaries The legislation, approved by California voters last week, joins a court battle that could help determine which party wins control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026.
The complaint, filed in California federal court, targets the new congressional map put forward by the Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in response A similar Republican-led effort in Texas Supported by the President Donald Trump. This sets the stage for a high-stakes legal and political fight between the Republican administration and the Democratic governor, who is seen as a 2028 presidential candidate.
“California’s redistricting plan is a brazen power grab that tramples civil rights and makes a mockery of the democratic process,” the attorney general said. Pam Bondi he said in an emailed statement. “Governor Newsom’s attempt to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians will not prevail.”
California voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 50, the constitutional amendment that changed the boundaries of Congress to give power to Democrats. chance to win five seats next year’s midterm elections are now being held by Republicans.
Ministry of Justice participates A case that forces the new map This was brought up by the California Republican Party last week. The Trump administration is accusing California of racial gerrymandering, violating the Constitution, by using race as a factor in favor of Hispanic voters in the new map. The court is asking the judge to ban California from using the new map in future elections.
“Race cannot be used as a proxy to advance political interests, but that is exactly what the California General Assembly did with Proposition 50, the latest ballot initiative that junked California’s pre-existing electoral map in favor of a hasty realignment of California’s congressional district boundaries,” the lawsuit says.
Proposition 50 was Newsom’s response Trump’s maneuvers In Texas, where Republicans are reshuffling districts in hopes of picking up five seats for themselves ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, when control of the House of Representatives will be at stake.
Democrats need to win just a handful of seats next year take control of the roomThis would jeopardize Trump’s agenda for the remainder of his term and pave the way for congressional investigations into his administration. Republicans have 219 seats and Democrats have 214 seats.
The showdown between the nation’s two most populous states has spread across the country, along with Missouri, Ohio and a series of spats. other states is either adopting new district boundaries to gain partisan advantage or is considering doing so.
The national ramifications of the California ballot measure were clear, both in terms of the money it attracted and the high-profile people involved. Tens of millions of dollars have poured into the race; That includes a $5 million donation to opponents from the Congressional Leadership Fund, the super political action committee affiliated with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.
Former action movie star and Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger opposed itFormer Democratic President Barack Obama appeared in advertisements supporting thishe called it a “smart” approach to counter Republican moves aimed at maintaining control of the House of Representatives.
The contest gave Newsom: a national platform When confirmed, he said he would consider a White House run in 2028.
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Richer reported from Chicago.
