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California's Republican leadership has filed a lawsuit with the state Supreme Court to block a new redistricting law, arguing it is a veiled attempt by the Democratic supermajority to gerrymander congressional districts. The legal challenge, led by Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher and Senate Republican Leader Brian Jones, targets a constitutional amendment signed by Governor Gavin Newsom that alters the rules for California's independent redistricting commission.
The law at the center of the dispute requires the California Citizens Redistricting Commission to draw maps that “encourage competition” and avoid unduly favoring any political party. Proponents argue this strengthens the commission's mandate against partisan influence. However, Republicans contend that these new criteria are subjective and will be used by Democrats to challenge maps they dislike, ultimately throwing the final decision to the Democratic-controlled Legislature and the state Supreme Court. In their filing, GOP leaders labeled the measure a partisan power grab designed to dismantle the independent process voters established in 2008.
Since its creation, the Citizens Redistricting Commission has been responsible for drawing district lines for Congress, the state Assembly, and the state Senate, a power previously held by lawmakers. Republicans argue that the new law effectively subverts the will of the voters by creating a legal backdoor for the party in power to influence the outcome. The lawsuit calls the measure a "wolf in sheep's clothing," claiming it introduces vague standards that will inevitably lead to litigation and allow for judicial and legislative intervention in the mapping process.
The lawsuit asks the California Supreme Court to prevent the law from taking effect, thereby preserving the existing framework for the state's independent commission. Democrats have defended the measure as a necessary reform to ensure fairer and more competitive elections. The court's decision will have significant implications for how political power is drawn and distributed in California, determining whether the state’s much-lauded independent redistricting model will continue in its current form or face fundamental changes.
