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California GOP Sues as Newsom Fast-Tracks Ballot Measure to Redraw U.S. House Map

Republicans say Democrats violated the state’s 30-day notice rule by using a gut-and-amend sprint to meet a Nov. 4 special election timeline.

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U.S. and Texas state flags fly at the Texas Capitol building, amid a redistricting battle between Republicans and Democratic state lawmakers in Austin, Texas, U.S., August 18 2025. REUTERS/Nuri Vallbona
Illustration by Noah Hickey/The Dispatch. (Photos via Unsplash)

Overview

  • Democrats are pushing a three-bill package that would place a new congressional map before voters on Nov. 4 and temporarily sideline the independent redistricting commission for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 cycles if approved.
  • Four GOP lawmakers filed an emergency petition with the California Supreme Court seeking to pause this week’s votes, arguing the constitution requires a 30-day public review period unless waived by a three-fourths vote.
  • Legislative hearings grew testy as Republicans pressed who drew the map and criticized limited public review, while Democrats defended the process; reporting has attributed the proposed map to the DCCC.
  • The plan is designed to shift as many as five seats toward Democrats, putting Republican Reps. Kevin Kiley, Doug LaMalfa, Darrell Issa, Ken Calvert and David Valadao at greater risk under the proposed lines.
  • Newsom frames the move as a response to Texas Republicans’ mid-decade remap pushed by President Trump, and the fight has broadened as the NRCC vows legal and ballot challenges and California Common Cause raises objections to parts of the package.