On November 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated a lawsuit against California Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber concerning the state's recently approved congressional map. This map was enacted following the passage of Proposition 50 by California voters on November 4, which is said to create up to five additional Democratic House seats in anticipation of the midterm elections. Critics argue that Proposition 50, which suspended the state's independent redistricting commission, has led to a partisan and racially gerrymandered map.

The lawsuit, filed by federal prosecutors, claims that California's Democratic leadership manipulated congressional districts to enhance the voting power of Hispanic Californians, which they argue violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Attorney General Pam Bondi characterized the redistricting effort as a significant infringement on civil rights and a manipulation of the democratic process, asserting that it seeks to entrench one-party dominance in California.

The California Republican Party had previously filed a lawsuit asserting that the new map constitutes racial gerrymandering by favoring Hispanic voters in a manner that contravenes constitutional protections. The DOJ's complaint cites evidence suggesting that the California Legislature prioritized racial demographics in the redistricting process, which it claims is impermissible under the Constitution. Jesus A. Osete, a principal deputy assistant attorney general for Civil Rights, emphasized that using race to further political objectives is not acceptable.

Currently, Republicans hold nine of California's 52 House seats, a number that could potentially decrease to four under the new map. In response to the lawsuit, Newsom's office expressed confidence that the legal challenge would not succeed, framing the opposition as a reaction to their electoral defeat. This lawsuit is part of a broader national debate over redistricting, with various states experiencing similar conflicts as both major political parties attempt to secure additional congressional seats ahead of the 2026 elections. Republican-led legislatures in states such as Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina have also enacted new congressional maps that are expected to favor Republican candidates, reflecting ongoing tensions surrounding electoral representation and the implications of redistricting practices.