California Republicans file second lawsuit over redistricting maps
California Republicans have filed a second lawsuit challenging Democratic Governor gavin Newsom’s new redistricting plan, asking the California Supreme Court to stop Secretary of State Shirley Weber from putting the proposed congressional map to a vote. The emergency petition argues that the redistricting violates state law, which requires congressional districts to be drawn by an self-reliant redistricting committee, not by partisan legislators. This lawsuit follows a similar challenge rejected by the court last week.
Republican leaders claim the constitutional amendment enabling the new map is a partisan effort intended to undermine the independent commission’s authority, reducing openness in the redistricting process. Newsom signed two bills to redraw the map, intended to counter a GOP-led effort in Texas, and has called a special election in November for voters to approve the plan, which could help Democrats gain up to five additional House seats in the 2026 midterms.
The outcome of this redistricting battle is meaningful, as control of the U.S. House hangs in the balance,with Republicans currently holding a slim majority. Former President Trump has announced plans for the U.S. Department of Justice to sue california over the redistricting legislation, signaling a high-profile ongoing legal and political conflict. Newsom has responded defiantly, challenging legal threats and emphasizing fairness in the electoral process.
California Republicans file second lawsuit over redistricting maps
California Republicans on Monday filed a second lawsuit to attempt to block Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan, asking the state Supreme Court to prohibit the state’s top election official, Secretary of State Shirley Weber (D), from putting the new map up for a vote.
The emergency petition filed before the California Supreme Court argues that Democrats’ push for a new map contradicts state law requiring congressional districts to be drawn by an independent redistricting committee.
“The Constitution’s guardrails on redistricting are essential to ensuring that Californians are spared from the political influence and inherent turbulence” of the state legislature, the petition read.
The lawsuit follows a similar one filed last week in which the state’s high court rejected the Republican challenge to the redistricting push.
“Before the legislation was enacted, the court ruled relief was not available at that time,” Mike Columbo, a partner at Dhillon Law Group, said. “We are asking the question again to see if they will grant the relief at this time.”
Republicans filed Monday’s suit once again with help from the law firm founded by Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general for the civil rights division at the Department of Justice and a longtime Newsom critic.
GOP legislators have spent days arguing that the constitutional amendment that would allow voters to decide on new congressional maps is nothing more than a backroom deal designed to weaken the state’s independent redistricting commission.
“This is an issue about good governance in California,” state GOP Chairwoman Corrin Rankin said during Monday’s press conference. “Californians want to see more transparency, not less.”
Newsom signed two redistricting bills on Aug. 21 to redraw a new congressional map for California to “neutralize” a similar GOP-led attempt in Texas.
The governor also declared a special election on Nov. 4, asking voters to grant final approval to the new map, which may help Democrats win five more House seats in the 2026 midterm elections.
“We’re responding to what occurred in Texas,” Newsom said. “We’re neutralizing what occurred, and we’re giving the American people a fair chance because when all things are equal, we’re all playing by the same rules.”
At stake is control of the House of Representatives. Republicans have a seven-seat edge in the House, with four vacancies.
Trump has been able to enact his agenda, including passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, because the GOP controls the White House and both chambers of Congress. If Democrats flip the House, they could render Trump a lame duck during his last two years in office by blocking his legislation and launching congressional investigations.
Democrats have said stopping Trump is their No. 1 priority.
California Republican lawmakers have called for a federal investigation and vowed to keep fighting.
On Monday, Trump said the DOJ plans to sue California over the redistricting legislation.
NEWSOM OPENS ‘PATRIOT SHOP’ IN LATEST PARODY OF TRUMP
“Well, think I’m going to be filing a lawsuit pretty soon,” he said without providing details. “And I think we’re going to be very successful in it.”
Newsom responded, “BRING IT” on X.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 25, 2025
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