Justice Department Joins California Republicans in Battle Over New Congressional Map
In a move that has escalated tensions between the Democratic administration of California Governor Gavin Newsom and the Republican-led Trump administration, the US Justice Department has joined a lawsuit brought by California Republicans to block the state's new congressional map. The development sets up a high-stakes showdown between the two sides over a redistricting effort designed to give Democrats a better chance of retaking the House of Representatives next year.
The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in California just hours after the state's voters decisively approved the new map, challenges the congressional districts championed by Governor Newsom. The Republican plaintiffs claim that the map improperly uses race as a factor to heavily favor Hispanic voters, violating the US Constitution and potentially entrenching one-party rule.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi described the plan as a "brazen power grab" that tramples on civil rights and mocks the democratic process. Her statement marked a significant escalation in the dispute over redistricting, which has become a contentious issue across the country.
Despite the lawsuit, Democrats remain confident that the newly approved maps will withstand legal challenge. Governor Newsom's spokesperson, Brandon Richards, dismissed the Republican efforts as "losers who lost at the ballot box and soon will lose in court."
The case highlights the deepening divide between the Democratic and Republican administrations over issues such as redistricting and election integrity. With just a handful of seats up for grabs in next year's midterm elections, Democrats are eager to secure control of the House of Representatives.
For now, the battle over California's new congressional map has drawn in the US Justice Department, setting the stage for a potentially high-profile showdown between the two sides.
In a move that has escalated tensions between the Democratic administration of California Governor Gavin Newsom and the Republican-led Trump administration, the US Justice Department has joined a lawsuit brought by California Republicans to block the state's new congressional map. The development sets up a high-stakes showdown between the two sides over a redistricting effort designed to give Democrats a better chance of retaking the House of Representatives next year.
The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in California just hours after the state's voters decisively approved the new map, challenges the congressional districts championed by Governor Newsom. The Republican plaintiffs claim that the map improperly uses race as a factor to heavily favor Hispanic voters, violating the US Constitution and potentially entrenching one-party rule.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi described the plan as a "brazen power grab" that tramples on civil rights and mocks the democratic process. Her statement marked a significant escalation in the dispute over redistricting, which has become a contentious issue across the country.
Despite the lawsuit, Democrats remain confident that the newly approved maps will withstand legal challenge. Governor Newsom's spokesperson, Brandon Richards, dismissed the Republican efforts as "losers who lost at the ballot box and soon will lose in court."
The case highlights the deepening divide between the Democratic and Republican administrations over issues such as redistricting and election integrity. With just a handful of seats up for grabs in next year's midterm elections, Democrats are eager to secure control of the House of Representatives.
For now, the battle over California's new congressional map has drawn in the US Justice Department, setting the stage for a potentially high-profile showdown between the two sides.