Newsom wins big against GOP in redistricting battle

The California Supreme Court has dealt a major blow to Republican lawmakers by rejecting their attempt to derail Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to redraw the state’s congressional map.

GOP’s case

Republican legislators had petitioned the court to intervene, arguing that Democrats violated a procedural rule requiring a 30-day waiting period before a newly introduced bill can be brought to a vote — unless three-fourths of the legislature agrees to waive it. Senators Tony Strickland and Suzette Martinez Valladares, along with Assembly Members Tri Ta and Kate Sanchez, filed a request asking the court to delay the process until September 18. Though their attorneys acknowledged the legal challenge was without precedent, they sharply criticized the Democratic strategy as “comically absurd.”

The ruling

In a short order, the justices declined to block the legislative effort. “Petitioners have failed to meet their burden of establishing a basis for relief at this time under California Constitution article IV, section 8,” they wrote. The ruling effectively gives lawmakers the green light to move forward with a legislative package that would place the new congressional map on the ballot for voter approval in November.

Redistricting plans

Governor Newsom has framed California’s redistricting push as a response to Republican efforts in Texas. GOP leaders are pursuing a redrawing of congressional boundaries that could give them up to five additional seats. “Look, what we’re doing neuters, neutralizes what’s happening in Texas. People have this chance with this ballot — November 4 — to stand up to the rule of law, stand up for coequal branches of government, stand up to, yes, Donald Trump, but also stand up in the spirit that defines this moment to people being bullied and people being intimidated.”

GOP’s response

In a joint statement, GOP lawmakers expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the court offered no explanation for its decision. “This means Governor Newsom and the Democrats’ plan to gut the voter-created Citizens Redistricting Commission, silence public input and stick taxpayers with a $200+ million bill will proceed,” the statement reads. “We will continue to challenge this unconstitutional power grab in the courts and at the ballot box. Californians deserve fair, transparent elections, not secret backroom deals to protect politicians.”

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