California Republicans File Suit to Block Democrats’ Redistricting Plan

Citing the state constitution, the plaintiffs asked the California Supreme Court to act by Aug. 20 to either rule on the case or bar any action for 30 days.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference with Texas lawmakers at the Governor’s Mansion in Sacramento, Calif., on July 25, 2025. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

California Republican lawmakers filed a lawsuit on Aug. 18 to block a redistricting plan backed by Democrats.

Championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the plan aims to shift five U.S. congressional seats in California from Republicans to Democrats.

This move was done in direct response to a redistricting effort in Texas that could create a Republican-favoring political demographic change in five congressional districts currently held by Democrats.

The GOP lawmakers asked the California Supreme Court to act by Aug. 20 to either rule on the case or bar any action on the Democratic plan for 30 days.

Democrats would need to push the map through this week if they plan to have it ready for a required special election and possibly win the five seats by the 2026 midterm elections.

“Last night, we filed a petition with the California Supreme Court to stop the California Legislature from violating the rights of the people of California,” Dhillon Law Group’s Mike Columbo said at an Aug. 19 press conference.

“The California Constitution clearly gives the people of California the right to see new legislation that the Legislature is going to consider, and it gives them the right to review it for 30 days,” Columbo said.

Democratic members of the state Legislature introduced the redistricting package soon after they reconvened from summer break on Aug. 18, and are expected to vote as soon as Aug. 21 on the new map.

“Today I joined my colleagues in filing a lawsuit challenging the rushed redistricting process. California’s Constitution requires bills to be in print for 30 days, but that safeguard was ignored,” Assembly member Tri Ta said on X.

“By bypassing this provision, Sacramento has effectively shut voters out of engaging in their own legislative process.”

Four state Republicans signed the petition, which cites sections of the state constitution that require a month-long review period before passing new legislation.

Democrats have until Aug. 22 to complete their redesigned map if they are going to have enough time to get it in front of voters for a Nov. 4 special election.

Texans could also see a new congressional district map in 2026 following a request by the Department of Justice for Texas lawmakers to reconsider districts that were drawn following the 2020 census.

The potential increase in Republican-majority districts caused outrage among Democrats, who left the state for a large portion of the 30-day special session called by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, which ended on Aug. 15.

However, they are now back in Texas for a second special session, and for the possible passage of the new map.