Republicans Sue to Stop California Response to Texas Gerrymander 

Republican lawmakers in California have asked the state Supreme Court to stop Democrats’ attempt to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 election. 

The lawsuit seeks to derail Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) effort to counter Republican gerrymanders elsewhere — especially in Texas.

The Republicans insist the Legislature violated California’s constitution when it advanced Assembly Bill 604 and Senate Bill 280 earlier this week, claiming Democrats ignored the mandatory 30-day public review period by “gutting and amending” existing bills and rushing them toward a floor vote.

“The Legislature’s use of ‘gut and amend’ to evade Article IV, Section 8(a) of the California Constitution’s minimum review time is wholly contrary to that section’s purpose and unlawfully nullifies it,” the Republicans argue. “If upheld by this Court, the Constitution’s waiting period provision would be rendered meaningless.”

California Democrats introduced the redistricting bills as part of their “Election Rigging Response Act” package, a direct counter to the Texas Republican move to redraw their state’s congressional map to lock in five new GOP seats after President Donald Trump called for it.

Democrats’ plan would put a constitutional amendment on the November ballot, asking voters to let lawmakers — not the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission — draw California’s congressional districts. 

The goal is to offset Texas by flipping five Republican-held districts in California.

The GOP lawsuit is designed to slow that effort. If the Supreme Court enforces the 30-day waiting period, the November special election could be thrown off schedule, making it harder for Democrats to fight back against partisan gerrymanders in other states.

Ironically, the lawsuit also frames Democrats’ plan as a betrayal of California voters who created the Citizens Redistricting Commission to guarantee transparency and fairness. 

“This consequential legislation is designed to undo vital constitutional provisions that were enacted by the citizens through the initiative process,” the Republicans added. “Instead of a months-long transparent and participatory process overseen by an independent citizens redistricting commission the public would be presented instead with an up or down vote on maps unilaterally prepared in secret by the Legislature.”

A ruling in the GOP’s favor could stall California’s entire effort, jeopardizing Democrats’ plan to neutralize Republican gerrymanders nationwide.

U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon’s former law firm is representing the California Republicans in the case. Dhillon, who founded the firm but departed earlier this year, is not involved in the filing. Still, the firm’s presence ties the GOP’s latest legal maneuver to a high-profile conservative figure now serving in the Justice Department.

Late Update, 8/20: In a swift blow to Republicans, the California Supreme Court on Wednesday denied their emergency petition to block the state’s new redistricting plan, ruling that GOP lawmakers had “failed to meet their burden of establishing a basis for relief” under the state Constitution. The decision clears the way for Democrats to press ahead with their ballot measure aimed at countering Republican gerrymanders nationwide.