Washington D.C. – The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit Thursday in California federal court alleging that the state’s newly drawn congressional maps violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment by employing racial gerrymandering.
The complaint names California Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber as defendants, accusing them of mandating “racially gerrymandered congressional districts.” Federal prosecutors contend the maps prioritize Latino demographics and racial considerations in a manner that is unconstitutional, even though gerrymandering itself is legal in the U.S. if not based on race.
“Race cannot be used as a proxy too advance political interests, but that is precisely what the California General Assembly did with Prop 50,” stated Jesus A. Osete, Principal Deputy Assistant attorney General for Civil rights. ”Californians were sold an illegal, racially gerrymandered map, but the U.S. Constitution prohibits its use in 2026 and beyond.”
The Justice Department cited “substantial evidence” that the California legislature’s new map was created with Latino demographics and racial considerations as predominant factors.
The lawsuit arrives amid a broader national effort to reshape congressional districts following the 2020 census. These redistricting efforts, initially spurred by former President Donald Trump, aim to influence the 2026 midterm elections and secure republican control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The legal challenge follows Governor Newsom’s August campaign to suspend California’s independently drawn maps,a move he framed as “fighting fire with fire” in response to Texas Democrats’ efforts to stall a vote on maps favorable to Republicans.
Bondi has accused Newsom of attempting ”to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians” by pushing the new congressional district boundaries. She further stated, “Newsom should be concerned about keeping Californians safe and shutting down Antifa violence, not rigging his state for political gain.”
