The U.S. Department of Justice has joined a lawsuit aiming to block California's newly approved congressional electoral map, escalating a legal conflict over redistricting efforts designed to benefit Democrats. Republicans are challenging the map, which was championed by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and approved by California voters, alleging it improperly used race to favor Hispanic voters and violates the U.S. Constitution.
The lawsuit contends that the redistricting plan is a "brazen power grab" intended to entrench one-party rule and silence voters, asserting that race was used as a proxy for political interests. This legal challenge is part of a broader redistricting battle that began in Texas and is seen as an attempt by Republicans to secure their House majority for the remainder of President Trump's term.
California Republicans, represented by the Dhillon Law Group, argue the map is illegal and racially gerrymandered, seeking to prevent its implementation for the 2026 elections. Democrats, however, express confidence that the map will withstand legal scrutiny, viewing the lawsuit as a desperate attempt by Republicans who lost at the ballot box. The Department of Justice's involvement in the lawsuit signals a significant confrontation between the Trump administration and Governor Newsom.
