California Republicans fight back against Newsom
News | By Easton Martin | August 20, 2025
California Republicans have taken Governor Gavin Newsom to court, filing an emergency petition with the state Supreme Court to block his fast-track redistricting proposal. The plan, called the “Election Rigging Response Act,” seeks to redraw congressional districts mid-decade and add five new Democratic seats in the U.S. House.
The Republican plaintiffs argue that the legislation violates California’s Constitution, which requires a 30-day public review period before the Legislature may act on any new bill. They insist that proceeding before September 18 breaches this requirement, and are asking the court to delay the process until that date.
The lawsuit requests a ruling by Wednesday to halt legislative action pending full judicial review. Newsom’s plan already faces an August 22 deadline to pass three related bills in order to place the redrawn maps on the November 4 ballot.
Republicans are also challenging Newsom’s decision to bypass the state’s independent redistricting commission, arguing the process lacks transparency and public input.
