Overview
- A three-judge panel in Los Angeles voted 2-1 to deny an injunction, allowing the voter-approved map to be used in the 2026 elections.
- The majority found evidence of racial intent “exceptionally weak” and partisan motivation “overwhelming,” emphasizing voters’ intent under precedents that leave partisan gerrymanders to politics, not federal courts.
- Judge Kenneth Lee dissented, asserting at least one district was drawn to bolster Latino voting strength and citing statements by mapmaker Paul Mitchell, who did not testify.
- The plaintiffs — the California Republican Party, Assemblymember David Tangipa, and the U.S. Department of Justice — are expected to appeal directly to the Supreme Court.
- Approved by roughly 64% of voters, Prop 50 temporarily displaces the independent commission through 2030 and could shift up to five U.S. House seats to Democrats, with the panel noting the Supreme Court’s recent Texas ruling.