On November 13, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice initiated legal action against California regarding its newly adopted congressional redistricting maps, which were approved by voters through Proposition 50. This lawsuit, filed in federal court, seeks to block the implementation of the new boundaries, which could potentially allow Democrats to gain five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives during the upcoming 2026 elections.

The legal challenge is part of a broader dispute over redistricting practices across the nation, particularly in response to Republican-led efforts in states like Texas. The California Republican Party, which has joined the lawsuit, alleges that the new congressional map constitutes racial gerrymandering, violating the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. They argue that the map was designed to enhance the electoral power of Hispanic voters, thereby manipulating district lines for partisan advantage.

Attorney General Pam Bondi characterized California's redistricting initiative as a "brazen power grab" that undermines civil rights and the democratic process. She asserted that the actions of Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature aim to entrench one-party dominance and suppress the voices of a significant portion of the electorate. In contrast, Newsom's office has expressed confidence in the legality of the redistricting plan, suggesting that the Republican claims are unfounded and that they will likely fail in court, just as they did at the ballot box.

The lawsuit marks a significant moment as it is the first instance of the Justice Department contesting mid-decade congressional map revisions, which are perceived as attempts to maximize partisan advantage ahead of elections. The Justice Department's complaint claims that the new map manipulates district boundaries under the guise of enhancing the voting power of Hispanic Californians, raising concerns about the implications of such actions on electoral equity.

Proposition 50 was introduced as a countermeasure to Republican strategies in Texas, where similar redistricting efforts are anticipated to benefit the Republican Party. The stakes are high, as Democrats need to gain only a few additional seats to take control of the House, which could significantly impact legislative agendas and facilitate investigations into the previous administration.

The financial backing for the California ballot measure was substantial, with millions of dollars contributed by various political action committees, including a notable $5 million from the Congressional Leadership Fund, associated with House Speaker Mike Johnson. The ongoing legal dispute highlights the contentious political landscape in California, particularly as Governor Newsom is viewed as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress and the broader electoral landscape in the United States.