California Republicans File Emergency Petitions to Block November Redistricting Election

California Governor Gavin Newsom has pushed a redistricting plan set for a November special election that aims to redraw congressional districts, potentially flipping five Republican-held seats to Democratic control in response to Texas Republicans redrawing maps to favor their party. The measure, called Proposition 50, would pause the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission through 2030 and allow the legislature to implement new maps, a move that has sparked fierce opposition from California Republicans. GOP leaders, including State Senator Tony Strickland, have filed multiple emergency petitions with the California Supreme Court arguing the plan is unconstitutional for bypassing a mandatory 30-day public review period, combining multiple subjects in one ballot question, and undermining the independent commission established by voter initiative. Republicans accuse Democrats of rushing the legislation and exercising powers they do not legally have, framing their fight as an effort to preserve democracy and prevent a partisan power grab. Supporters of Proposition 50 counter that the legal challenges are attempts to protect former President Trump's influence and deny voters a say on the measure. The California Supreme Court has so far declined to block the measure from the ballot, but Republicans continue to seek judicial intervention before the election.