Washington — California Democrats cleared a major hurdle Wednesday night after the state Supreme Court refused to intervene in their push to redraw congressional maps.
Republican lawmakers had asked the justices to block the plan, arguing Democrats had ignored the rule that requires at least 30 days before voting on new legislation. The court declined, saying the GOP challengers hadn’t met the standard needed for emergency relief.
Democrats Race Ahead
The Legislature is set to vote on Thursday, sending the bill to Governor Gavin Newsom for approval. Democrats, who hold a supermajority in Sacramento, want the new maps on the ballot in a November 4 special election. Their proposal aims to flip five Republican-held seats, part of a broader strategy to counter a redistricting drive in Texas led by Donald Trump and state GOP leaders.
If successful, the effort could require changing the state Constitution, which currently gives that power to an independent commission. Still, party leaders insist they’re moving quickly to give voters the final say this year.
Sharp Republican Response
Republicans blasted the plan as rushed and unconstitutional. “Californians deserve fair, transparent elections, not secret backroom deals to protect politicians,” GOP lawmakers said in a joint statement after the ruling.
During hearings this week, Republicans also raised concerns about the plan’s cost. “We do not have all the fiscal information we need to make this decision,” said state Sen. Kelly Seyarto of Murrieta. “And we’re going to do it anyway.”
Newsom’s Framing
Newsom, who is widely seen as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, has cast the fight as part of a larger showdown with Trump. “What we’re doing neutralizes what’s happening in Texas,” he told reporters. “This ballot gives people a chance to stand up for the rule of law and against intimidation.”
Democratic leaders have echoed that message, steering attention away from the maps themselves. State Sen. Scott Weiner said Trump’s involvement in Texas was the trigger for California’s plan, while strategist Steve Maviglio suggested Democrats will keep hammering Trump rather than dwell on district lines. “This will be a vote against Donald Trump,” he said. “Maps are complicated — voters understand Trump.”
The Stakes
California holds 52 congressional seats, and with Republicans controlling the U.S. House by only a slim margin, the fight over district boundaries could shape next year’s midterm elections. For now, Democrats are pressing forward — and Republicans are preparing for a prolonged battle in court and at the ballot box.
