DOJ Says California Used Race to Rewrite Its Political Map
FEATUREDPOLITICS
In a surprising twist, the DOJ is suing California over its new congressional map, calling it racial gerrymandering. The move flips the usual script, putting Democrats on the defensive for a practice they frequently accuse Republicans of using to tilt elections.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit seeking to block California’s newly approved congressional district map, arguing that the state’s redesign amounts to racial gerrymandering and violates the Constitution’s equal protection guarantees.
The map, passed through Proposition 50 with nearly 65% support from California voters, would reshape up to five U.S. House districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The DOJ says several of the new lines were drawn using race as a predominant factor without sufficient justification, resulting in what federal attorneys describe as “unconstitutional sorting” of voters.
What the DOJ Claims
In its filing, the DOJ argues:
Certain districts were “packed” or “cracked” based on racial composition.
Race was used in a way that cannot be justified by the Voting Rights Act.
California’s mapmakers relied on racial data at key stages of the process.
The resulting districts diminish the political influence of specific groups.
According to the complaint, the map’s configuration “cannot be explained on grounds other than race,” a standard often used in racial gerrymandering challenges.
What California Says
California officials defend the map as a fair adjustment to population shifts and prior partisan imbalances. They argue that:
The map complies with the Voting Rights Act.
Race was considered only as permitted under federal law.
Independent experts were consulted throughout the process.
The state maintains that the redesign improves representation and aligns districts more closely with demographic changes identified in the latest census.
Implications for Congress
If the map is allowed to proceed, it could alter the political landscape in several competitive districts. Analysts say the new boundaries may influence party control in the U.S. House of Representatives, giving the lawsuit national significance beyond California.
The case also highlights a rare scenario: the DOJ challenging a map produced in a Democratic-leaning state after years of high-profile litigation focused largely on Republican-led states.
What Happens Next
The lawsuit now moves to federal court, where judges will determine:
Whether race was improperly used in drawing the districts
Whether the map must be redrawn
Whether the new boundaries can be used in upcoming elections
California election officials say they will follow the court’s timeline but warn that a late ruling could compress candidate filing deadlines and administrative preparations.
For now, the case sets up a high-stakes legal battle over who draws the lines—and how far states can go in reshaping political power.