California Congressional Redistricting Challenge (Sanchez)

A Republican lawsuit seeking to block California Governor Gavin Newsom’s congressional redistricting ballot measure.

Background

Four Republican state lawmakers and four California voters have filed a lawsuit in the California Supreme Court against Secretary of State Shirley Weber (D) and other state officials, seeking to block a ballot measure for the upcoming November 4 special election that would allow for the adoption of the new congressional map passed by Democrats. Lawmakers drew the new map in response to Texas’ congressional gerrymander. 

Plaintiffs argue the ballot measure violates the state constitution’s ‘separate vote’ rule by proposing two distinct actions for citizens to vote on within a single ballot question. Plaintiffs also argue redistricting may only be conducted by the state’s independent redistricting commission, in the year following the census, and cannot be for the purpose of discriminating against a political party. They are asking the court to block the measure for the November 4 special election.

Why It Matters

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan outlined in AB 604 is in direct response to President Trump’s request for Texas lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional map to secure five additional Republican House seats. California Republicans seek to challenge Democrats’ ballot measure and prevent the state from adopting a map that would add five more seats for Democrats in Congress. 

Latest Updates

Aug. 27, 2025: The California Supreme Court denied the Republicans’ petition for writ of mandate and application for stay. Democrats may continue to move forward with their proposed ballot measure aimed at countering the effects of Texas’s redistricting plan.

Aug. 25, 2025: Petitioners filed their petition.