California Supreme Court Allows Democrats to Advance Redistricting Plans

The California Supreme Court has declined to block Democratic efforts to redraw the state's congressional districts, dismissing Republican challenges that Democrats violated procedural rules requiring a 30-day waiting period before voting on new legislation. This redistricting plan, strongly supported by Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to flip up to five Republican-held seats, mirroring similar Republican-led efforts in Texas, and will be put to a special election in November 2025. Republicans argue the plan undermines the voter-created independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, lacks transparency, and imposes significant costs on taxpayers, while Democrats frame it as a necessary response to Texas's redistricting. The court's decision was brief, with no detailed explanation, and appeared influenced by a majority of justices appointed by Democratic governors. Critics also contend the redistricting violates state laws and the Voting Rights Act by disenfranchising certain voters, but the court rejected these contentions. The dispute reflects broader partisan battles over control of congressional representation ahead of the 2026 midterms.