Overview
- Justice Department lawyers joined the California GOP in alleging Proposition 50 unconstitutionally used race to create Latino-majority districts.
- The DOJ accused the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and map-drawer Paul Mitchell of obstructing discovery and said new documents show he prioritized racial considerations.
- Republican plaintiffs are seeking a temporary restraining order by Dec. 19, the date candidates can begin steps to run in 2026.
- Legal scholars say a recent Supreme Court order allowing Texas to use its map for 2026 could make an injunction against California’s plan harder to obtain.
- Democrats defend the voter-approved map as lawful and set for the 2026–2030 elections, noting the plan could shift multiple U.S. House seats.