On January 14, 2026, a three-judge panel in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California ruled in favor of the state's congressional redistricting plan, which was approved by voters in a special election in November 2025 with over 60% support. The court dismissed a challenge from the California Republican Party and other plaintiffs who claimed that the maps constituted racial gerrymandering, finding insufficient evidence to support this assertion.

The revised congressional maps were designed to enhance Democratic representation in response to perceived partisan redistricting efforts in Republican-led states, particularly Texas. The ruling is expected to potentially allow the Democratic Party to secure five additional seats in the House of Representatives during the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

Judge Josephine Staton, who authored the majority opinion, emphasized that the intent behind the maps was partisan, reflecting the electorate's desire to counteract Republican strategies. The court noted that during the legislative debate, concerns regarding racial gerrymandering were not raised, with the Republican Party framing their objections as a political maneuver rather than a racial issue.

The decision was made with a 2-1 vote, where the two judges appointed by Democratic presidents supported the ruling, while Judge Kenneth K. Lee, appointed by President Trump, dissented. In his dissent, Judge Lee expressed concerns about the racial implications of the redistricting, citing comments from a Democratic consultant regarding the enhancement of Latino voting power in specific districts.

California Governor Gavin Newsom welcomed the ruling, stating it affirmed the will of the voters who supported the redistricting plan as a response to partisan manipulation in other states. The case may be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, continuing the ongoing debate over electoral districting and its impact on representation and voter equity.