Following a decisive victory in a recent special election, California Republicans have initiated a federal lawsuit aimed at blocking the newly passed Proposition 50. This redistricting measure, which was approved by voters on November 5, 2023, has sparked significant controversy regarding its implications for congressional districting in the state.
The lawsuit, filed by attorneys representing the California Republican Party and Assemblymember David Tangipa, R-Clovis, claims that Proposition 50 violates the 14th and 15th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution by engaging in what they describe as unconstitutional gerrymandering. They argue that the measure unfairly favors Hispanic voters, asserting that there is no justification for such gerrymandering practices.
While the U.S. Supreme Court has previously allowed gerrymandered maps to protect minority voters, the plaintiffs contend that Proposition 50 does not meet the necessary criteria. They assert that Hispanic voters in California already demonstrate substantial electoral success, which undermines the need for the proposed changes.
In a statement regarding the lawsuit, Brandon Richards, a spokesperson for California Governor Gavin Newsom, dismissed the challenge. “We haven’t reviewed the lawsuit, but if it’s from the California Republican Party and Harmeet Dhillon’s law firm, it’s going to fail,” he remarked, adding, “Good luck, losers.”
Proposition 50 was widely seen as a strategic move to enhance the Democratic Party’s influence in California, particularly in advance of the 2026 midterm elections. Supporters argue that the measure is essential to counteract similar gerrymandering efforts in other states that could benefit Republican candidates.
Attorney Mike Columbo, representing the plaintiffs, emphasized that the new maps created by Democratic legislators were designed to empower Latino voters. “When states racially gerrymander their voting districts, the Supreme Court has permitted a limited exception to the Constitution,” he explained. “That exception requires, among other things, that the favored voters are a minority whose preferred candidates cannot get elected because of the votes of another majority race.” He added that given the success of Hispanic candidates, California cannot claim the necessity of such an exception.
Columbo’s firm, the Dhillon Law Group, was founded by Harmeet Dhillon, who currently serves as an assistant attorney general in the U.S. Department of Justice’s civil rights division. Dhillon resigned from her position at the law firm in April to take on her new role in the federal government.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to halt the implementation of Proposition 50’s redistricting maps, as congressional candidates must know the boundaries within the next six weeks in preparation for the upcoming elections.
In response to the developments, Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House and a Republican representative from Louisiana, criticized Proposition 50, labeling it “a sign of desperation” by the Democratic Party. He alleged that the measure disregards the authority of California’s independent redistricting commission and is merely an attempt to manipulate electoral outcomes. “It’s just a blatant example of Gavin Newsom’s immoral leadership,” Johnson stated, highlighting that 43 out of California’s 52 congressional districts are already held by Democrats.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the courts will respond to this legal challenge and what implications it may have for the political landscape in California. Further updates are expected as the litigation progresses.
