Trump Administration Sues to Block California Redistricting Plan Favoring Democrats

The Trump administration is suing to stop California’s newly approved congressional redistricting plan, escalating a legal battle that could shape the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The lawsuit challenges Proposition 50, a ballot measure passed by 64% of California voters last week. The measure allows Democratic lawmakers to temporarily override the state’s independent redistricting commission and draw new congressional maps expected to make five Republican-held House seats more favorable to Democrats.

The Justice Department’s decision to intervene marks a dramatic move by the federal government in what was initially a state-level dispute. In filings Thursday, government lawyers argued that California’s plan constitutes a “racial gerrymander” and violates the U.S. Constitution.

“Our Constitution does not tolerate this racial gerrymander,” Justice Department attorneys wrote. “Because the Proposition 50 map does, the United States respectfully requests that this court enjoin defendants from using it in the 2026 election and future elections.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi called California’s effort “a brazen power grab that tramples on civil rights and mocks the democratic process.”

Governor Gavin Newsom, a strong supporter of Proposition 50, dismissed the lawsuit as partisan overreach. “These losers lost at the ballot box and soon they will also lose in court,” said Newsom spokesperson Brandon Richards.

Democrats argued that the redistricting measure was needed to counter new Republican-drawn maps in Texas, which were redrawn at President Trump’s urging to add five GOP-leaning districts. Unlike Texas, where lawmakers passed their new maps through legislation, California Democrats required a constitutional amendment to bypass the state’s independent redistricting process.

The legal fight is still in its early stages. Newsom and other state officials named in the lawsuit have not yet filed responses, and the federal judge overseeing the case has not scheduled major hearings. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has joined the defense of the state’s plan.

The Justice Department’s involvement underscores the growing national battle over political maps, with both parties using redistricting to strengthen their positions ahead of the 2026 elections.

Credit: CNN Newsource
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