The US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in a California federal court on november 13, challenging a new election map approved by California voters last week. The agency alleges California redrew electoral districts in a racially biased manner, violating the constitution, by using race to prioritize hispanic voters in the new map.

The lawsuit asks the court to prohibit the state government from using this map for any upcoming elections, claiming it violates the 14th amendment of the US constitution.

"California's redistricting plan is a blatant power grab, trampling on civil rights and disregarding the democratic process," US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated.

"They lost at the ballot box, and they're about to lose in court," a spokesperson for California Governor Gavin Newsom responded.

Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks at the White House on 15/7. Photo: AFP

This legal action against California marks the first time the US Department of Justice, representing President Donald Trump's administration, has become involved in litigation related to election map redrawing efforts in multiple states. These efforts aim to maximize partisan advantage before the midterm elections late next year.

Observers suggest this development opens a tense legal and political confrontation between the US government and Democratic Governor Newsom, who is considered a potential candidate in the 2028 presidential election.

California voters approved Proposition 50 on november 4, which could give the democratic party an opportunity to gain five seats in the midterm elections and regain control of the House of Representatives.

Governor Newsom, who has increasingly publicly challenged President Donald Trump, stated that Proposition 50 was a way to oppose Trump and counter his efforts to redraw election maps in republican-controlled states.

The US president criticized Proposition 50 as a "large-scale scam." Governor Newsom had previously warned that the Trump administration would obstruct Proposition 50.

The election map redrawing battle was initiated by Texas, a republican stronghold. Many democratic-led states, including California, subsequently took similar actions to regain an advantage.

Three republican-led states – Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina – have not faced any legal action from the US government after redrawing their electoral districts following Trump's call.

Duc Trung - Ngoc Anh (According to AP, Hill)