SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Diya TV) — California Republicans filed a lawsuit Tuesday asking the state Supreme Court to stop Gov. Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan. They argue the proposal is unconstitutional because it does not allow the required 30 days for public review.
The legal challenge comes as lawmakers in Sacramento open hearings on the state’s new redistricting push. The dispute highlights a growing clash between Democrats in California and Republicans nationwide over who should control the drawing of political maps.
In their filing, Republicans said the governor’s plan lacks transparency. They claim it replaces California’s long-standing independent redistricting process with a rushed, closed-door approach.
“Instead of a months-long transparent and participatory process overseen by an independent citizens redistricting commission for such a sensitive matter, the public would be presented instead with an up or down vote on maps unilaterally prepared in secret by the Legislature,” the lawsuit said.
California voters approved an independent redistricting commission in 2010. Republicans now say Newsom’s plan walks back that reform.
The push for new maps in California is tied to developments in Texas. There, Republican lawmakers are moving to redraw congressional districts in a way that could secure five new GOP seats. The effort has strong backing from former President Donald Trump, who urged Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to act quickly.
California Democrats argue their plan is a safeguard against those moves. They say the state cannot ignore efforts in Texas and other Republican-led states to shift the balance of power in Congress.
Some California Republicans say they oppose partisan map-drawing in any state, including those controlled by the GOP.
“You think I have more power than I do, but yes, I will tell Donald Trump that I think it’s better to go across the nation for a citizens redistricting solution,” said state Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Huntington Beach.
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio, R-San Diego, added: “No redistricting should be happening at the hands of politicians in any state; California voters got it right in 2010, and we should not be abandoning this transparent and participatory process.”
Despite Republican objections, Democrats moved ahead with hearings in the state Senate. Lawmakers said voters would have a chance to review and vote on the maps in November.
State Sen. Sabrina Cervantes, D-Riverside, said California’s action is a direct response to what she called authoritarian demands in red states.
“Unlike Gov. Abbott, California won’t bend the knee to authoritarian demands. We will not allow red states to strip seats in Congress, and we will not stand by silent while the communities we represent are robbed of their voices,” Cervantes said. “Let me be clear: California is not acting unilaterally. This legislative package is a response, a safeguard.”
The Assembly’s elections committee also met to discuss the issue. The chairperson said the plan would only take effect if other states “rig the election.” They stressed that the independent commission would continue to draw districts after the next election cycle.
The legal battle in California underscores a national fight over redistricting and voting rights. Republicans and Democrats in multiple states are using the process to secure political advantages.
For California, the central question is whether voters or lawmakers will control how congressional districts are drawn. The state Supreme Court will now decide if Newsom’s plan moves forward or if the independent commission retains full control.
The outcome could reshape California politics and influence the balance of power in Washington. As both parties prepare for the next election, redistricting has become one of the most fiercely contested issues in American democracy.
