DOJ challenges California House map in court
The Justice Department joined the California Republican Party’s lawsuit to block California’s voter‑approved Proposition 50 congressional map, with a three‑judge federal panel in Los Angeles hearing the case Monday and plaintiffs seeking a temporary restraining order by Dec. 19 ahead of 2026 candidate filings. DOJ alleges unconstitutional race‑based gerrymandering to favor Latino voters, while Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office defends the plan as lawful; the map, approved in November for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections, is designed to help Democrats flip as many as five seats.
📌 Key Facts
- Case seeks a TRO by Dec. 19; hearing before a three‑judge panel in Los Angeles.
- Proposition 50 map approved by voters in Nov. 2025 for 2026/2028/2030 elections; Democrats project up to five-seat gain.
- DOJ cites statements from map consultant Paul Mitchell and party materials about expanding Latino VRA districts; Newsom spokesperson says the map was drawn for lawful reasons.