The US Justice Department have entered the fray in a legal challenge initiated by California Republicans, aiming to prevent the state's recently passed electoral boundaries.
This court case, submitted to federal court, challenges the map supported by the state's Democratic governor, which was created in reaction against a Republican-led gerrymander in Texas.
"The state's electoral map constitutes a blatant attempt to seize control that tramples on voting rights and undermines the electoral system," declared the US attorney general.
The Democratic party have voiced assurance that the redistricting plan will withstand legal scrutiny.
"The plaintiffs were defeated in the election and soon they will face defeat in the judicial system," stated a representative for the governor.
Constitutional Challenge
The lawsuit asserts that California's map wrongfully utilized racial considerations to heavily favor Hispanic voters in violation of the US Constitution.
"It is unconstitutional to use race as a proxy to further partisan goals, but that is exactly what the state legislature did with the redistricting measure," stated a high-ranking representative from the Civil Rights Division.
Political Context
The legal battle represents the most significant response by Democrats in the continuing redistricting war that began in Texas and has extended to various parts of the country.
Unlike other states, where GOP-controlled legislatures have enacted gerrymanders, California's plan required voter approval, which it received with approximately two-thirds of the vote.
Wider Consequences
The Democratic party need to gain just a handful of Republican-held House seats to gain majority of the House of Representatives in next year's congressional elections.
The party that holds the controlling share will influence 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 possible additional obstacles.
- Legal representation for the plaintiffs is being handled by a prominent law firm
- The managing partner currently holds the position of senior DOJ official
- Nevertheless, this attorney has been removed from the current litigation
