Trump Admin Takes Legal Action Against California’s ‘Race-Based’ Gerrymandering

The Trump administration is escalating its legal battle against California’s Democrat-backed congressional redistricting plan, taking aim at what it calls unconstitutional racial gerrymandering under the newly passed Proposition 50.

The Department of Justice has filed a motion to intervene in the ongoing lawsuit challenging Prop 50. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, representing the Central District of California, announced the action on X, stating, “The race-based gerrymandered maps passed by the California legislature are unlawful and unconstitutional. We are moving swiftly to prevent these illegal maps from tainting our upcoming elections.”

Proposition 50, passed by voters earlier this month, temporarily redraws California’s congressional districts for the next three election cycles. Critics say the measure could hand Democrats control of five additional House seats, tipping the balance of power in Washington.

According to Republican attorneys, the maps use racial data to give Democrats an edge—something they say violates both the 14th Amendment and precedent established by the Supreme Court. Essayli emphasized that while states are allowed to draw their own maps, “they may not be drawn based on race.”

The lawsuit marks a direct response to what Republicans see as a retaliatory move by California against Texas, where a GOP-led mid-decade redistricting effort has already shifted several seats rightward. The high-stakes battle could reshape the national political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms.

In a post on X, Attorney General Pam Bondi slammed California Governor Gavin Newsom for prioritizing redistricting over public safety. “Newsom should be concerned about keeping Californians safe and shutting down Antifa violence, not rigging his state for political gain,” she wrote.

Meanwhile, legal pressure is also mounting from within the state. The California Republican Party has filed a separate suit, arguing the maps are a blatant violation of constitutional protections. “Dear Gavin Newsom, I hate to rain on your parade but your celebration over the passage of Prop 50 will need to wait a few days,” said Dhillon Law Group attorney Mark Meuser. “You have been sued. Your unconstitutional racial gerrymandering is now heading to a federal three-judge panel and maybe to the SCOTUS.”

Proposition 50 has ignited a broader national debate over redistricting. According to The Daily Wire, red and blue states alike are breaking with the once-a-decade norm and pursuing mid-decade redraws. The fight could intensify further depending on the outcome of Louisiana v. Callais, a Supreme Court case that could challenge Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and redefine how race can factor into district lines.

Hans von Spakovsky, senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation, believes Republicans could still gain ground nationally despite California’s maneuver. “With a few exceptions, Democratic-controlled states have already gerrymandered their states pretty much to the maximum you can,” he explained. “Even if California is successful, I still think Republicans may come out slightly ahead.”

The legal battles over Prop 50, Texas’ redistricting, and the Louisiana VRA case are setting the stage for a potential shakeup in the House as both parties vie for control heading into 2026.