SACRAMENTO, Calif. (FlashPoint) — In a bold move, California Republicans have filed a federal lawsuit aimed at blocking a new U.S. House map, which voters approved in a recent election via Proposition 50. This proposition, supported by Governor Gavin Newsom, is allegedly designed to assist Democrats in flipping up to five congressional seats during the forthcoming midterm elections next year.
The lawsuit, presented in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, accuses the creators of the map of unlawfully utilizing race as a basis for favoring Hispanic voters. The legal complaint seeks to have the new congressional boundaries invalidated prior to the 2026 elections. Representing the plaintiffs, Mike Columbo asserted at a news conference, The map is designed to favor one race of California voters over others, undermining the guarantees of equal protection under the 14th Amendment and the voting rights established by the 15th Amendment.”
Harmeet Dhillon, a prominent lawyer and current assistant attorney general for civil rights at the U.S. Department of Justice, leads the Dhillon Law Group, which filed the lawsuit.
Expressing confidence in the legality of the map, Newsom's office stated on social media that they have not yet reviewed the lawsuit but are optimistic about its outcome.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the timeline is critical, with decisions expected before December 19, the date candidates can start gathering signatures to ease filing fees for the 2026 elections. Columbo noted hopes for a swift ruling, although previous Republican lawsuits to obstruct Democratic plans in California have largely met with failure.
