The California Supreme Court, dominated 6–1 by Democratic appointees, rejected a Republican lawsuit challenging Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) push to redraw the state’s congressional districts.
Republicans had argued that Democrats in the legislature violated the state Constitution’s 30-day minimum notice requirement for new proposals. But in a brief order issued Wednesday, the court dismissed the case without providing detailed reasoning.
The “Gut and Amend” Maneuver
At issue was Democrats’ use of a longstanding tactic known as “gut and amend.” Instead of introducing a fresh redistricting bill and waiting the required 30 days, lawmakers took an existing bill that had been on the docket long enough and replaced its contents with redistricting language.
Republicans said this maneuver violated public transparency rules. But Democrats maintained that the practice is permissible under California legislative procedure, and the state’s high court agreed.
Partisan Map to Move Forward
With the challenge struck down, Newsom and legislative Democrats are expected to pass the new map and place it before voters in a special November election that could cost taxpayers upwards of $200 million.
The plan would override the independent redistricting commission process that California voters approved in 2008 and instead lock in a map designed to add five Democratic-leaning seats.
Retaliation Against Texas
Newsom has pitched the move as a direct response to Texas Republicans, who just approved their own congressional map designed to add five GOP seats.
But analysts note that a “redistricting arms race” could ultimately benefit Republicans more broadly, since Democrats have already maximized partisan gerrymanders in states they control, while Republicans still have large opportunities to redraw maps in their favor.
What Comes Next
The legislature is expected to finalize the measure within days, sending it to California voters in November. If approved, the new map will replace the current independent commission-drawn boundaries ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Republicans warn the move will cement one-party control in California while undermining public trust in the state’s redistricting process.
