The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against California Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber, challenging the state’s recently adopted congressional redistricting plan. The legal action follows the passage of Proposition 50, which amended the California Constitution to allow the legislature to create a new map for congressional districts.
According to the Justice Department, evidence from legislative records and public statements shows that racial considerations, particularly regarding Latino demographics, played a predominant role in drawing the new district boundaries. The suit claims this violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, "California’s redistricting scheme is a brazen power grab that tramples on civil rights and mocks the democratic process. Governor Newsom’s attempt to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians will not stand."
Jesus A. Osete, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, added, "Race cannot be used as a proxy to advance political interests, but that is precisely what the California General Assembly did with Prop 50. Californians were sold an illegal, racially gerrymandered map, but the U.S. Constitution prohibits its use in 2026 and beyond."
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli from the Central District of California commented on the matter: "The race-based gerrymandered maps passed by the California legislature are unlawful and unconstitutional. The U.S. Department of Justice is moving swiftly to prevent these illegal maps from tainting our upcoming elections. California is free to draw congressional maps, but they may not be drawn based on race."
The Department’s motion to intervene in Tangipa et al v Newsom is currently pending before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon has recused herself from this case; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jesus A. Osete will represent the Department.
