A federal lawsuit challenging California’s congressional redistricting process began Monday in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles, with Judge Josephine L. Staton presiding. The suit targets Proposition 50, a ballot measure approved by voters on Nov. 4 that altered how the state redraws congressional districts. The U.S. Department of Justice is among the plaintiffs, who argue the measure violates federal voting standards and could allow Democrats to gain up to five additional U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterm elections. Plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction to block the new district boundaries.
Proposition 50 followed Texas’ own mid-decade redistricting, which similarly aimed to benefit the party in power. While a federal court initially blocked Texas’ plan over concerns it discriminated against voters of color, the U.S. Supreme Court later allowed those maps to take effect in a 6–3 decision. That ruling casts uncertainty over how courts will ultimately rule on California’s maps, though state officials argue the Supreme Court’s reasoning supports Proposition 50’s legality.
The ballot measure was also one of the most expensive in California history. Campaigns for and against Proposition 50 raised more than $215 million by early October. Supporters, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom, collected over $138 million, with significant contributions from Democratic-aligned groups and unions, alongside tens of thousands of small donors.