The US Justice Department have entered the fray in a legal challenge brought forward by California Republicans, aiming to block the California's newly approved electoral boundaries.
This legal action, filed in a US district court, challenges the map supported by the state's Democratic governor, which was developed in reaction against a Republican-led gerrymander in Texas.
"California's electoral map constitutes a brazen power grab that violates voting rights and mocks the democratic process," declared the US attorney general.
Democrats have voiced assurance that the redistricting plan will survive court challenges.
"These opponents lost at the ballot box and they are likely to also lose in court," stated a representative for the governor.
Legal Basis
The legal challenge asserts that California's map improperly used race as a factor to heavily favor Latino communities in contravention of the US Constitution.
"It is unconstitutional to use race as a substitute to further partisan goals, but that is exactly what the state legislature did with the redistricting measure," stated a senior official from the Civil Rights Division.
Broader Implications
The legal battle constitutes the major response by the Democratic party in the continuing political battle that began in Texas and has extended to multiple states.
Unlike other states, where GOP-controlled legislatures have enacted gerrymanders, California's plan required voter approval, which it obtained with nearly 65% of the vote.
Wider Consequences
Democrats need to flip just a small number of Republican-held House seats to gain majority of the House of Representatives in next year's congressional elections.
The party that holds the majority will shape the remaining period of the current administration, deciding if a GOP-controlled legislature will continue to deliver its political program or face resistance, congressional probes and potential further challenges.
- Legal representation for the challengers is being provided by a well-known legal group
- The firm's founder currently serves as assistant attorney general
- Nevertheless, this individual has been recused from this particular case
