The US Justice Department have entered the fray in a lawsuit brought forward by California Republicans, aiming to halt the California's newly approved congressional redistricting map.
This court case, submitted to federal court, challenges the redistricting plan supported by the state's Democratic governor, which was created in reaction against a GOP redistricting effort in Texas.
"California's redistricting scheme constitutes a brazen power grab that tramples on civil rights and undermines the electoral system," stated the US attorney general.
Democrats have voiced assurance that the redistricting plan will withstand legal scrutiny.
"These opponents were defeated in the election and soon they will face defeat in the judicial system," stated a representative for the governor.
Constitutional Challenge
The lawsuit asserts that California's map wrongfully utilized racial considerations to heavily favor Hispanic voters in contravention of the US Constitution.
"It is unconstitutional to use race as a proxy to further partisan goals, but that is precisely what the state legislature did with the redistricting measure," argued a high-ranking representative from the DOJ's civil rights unit.
Broader Implications
The legal battle constitutes the major counterpunch by the Democratic party in the continuing political battle that began in Texas and has extended to multiple states.
Unlike other states, where Republican state legislatures have implemented partisan maps, California's plan required public consent, which it received with nearly 65% of the vote.
Wider Consequences
Democrats need to gain just a handful of GOP-controlled House seats to take control of the House of Representatives in next year's congressional elections.
The party that holds the majority will shape the final years of the current administration, deciding if a GOP-controlled legislature will persist in implementing its political program or encounter opposition, investigations and potential further challenges.
- Legal counsel for the plaintiffs is being provided by a prominent law firm
- The firm's founder currently holds the position of senior DOJ official
- Nevertheless, this attorney has been recused from the current litigation
