Daijiworld Media Network- California
California, Aug 20: The political tug-of-war over redistricting has intensified in California, with Republicans filing an emergency petition before the state Supreme Court to halt Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan. The move comes as Democrats gear up to fast-track legislation that could potentially add five new Democratic congressional seats, countering recent Republican gains in Texas.
The petition, lodged Monday by four GOP lawmakers, alleged that the plan violates the state constitution’s 30-day public review mandate, calling the legislation an attempt to bypass the independent citizens’ redistricting commission created in 2008. “Instead of a transparent, participatory process, the public is being presented with secretive maps for a rushed up-or-down vote,” the filing stated.
Republicans urged the court to pause the process until September 18, unless lawmakers in both chambers secure a three-fourths majority to accelerate the timeline. They also demanded either a quick ruling on the merits or a stay while the case is reviewed.
Meanwhile, Democratic leaders in Sacramento, armed with supermajorities, plan to push through three bills under what they’ve labelled the Election Rigging Response Act on Thursday, aiming to meet Governor Newsom’s deadline for a November 4 special election.
A spokesperson for the governor brushed off the legal challenge, saying: “Republicans are filing a deeply unserious (and truly laughable) lawsuit to stop Americans from voting. We’re neither surprised, nor worried.”
The battle mirrors a national partisan standoff sparked by US President Donald Trump’s call for Texas Republicans to redraw maps mid-decade to secure five GOP seats. Democrats in California have framed their effort as a “tit-for-tat” strategy to preserve House control, where Republicans currently hold a narrow 219-212 majority.
Critics, however, argue the move undermines the state’s independent redistricting commission and sets a troubling precedent. Democrats maintain it is only a temporary measure to counter “extreme” gerrymandering in other states.
The lawsuit also raises technical constitutional questions, including when the 30-day public review clock begins—at the assignment of a bill number or upon release of the full text. Democrats insist they are complying with the 72-hour rule requiring the final draft to be available before any vote.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has already indicated it is preparing further litigation against the move.