DOJ Sues to Block California U.S. House Map

The Justice Department has sued to block new congressional district boundaries approved by California voters last week, joining a court battle that could help determine which party controls the U.S. House in 2026, Alanna Durkin Richer and Michael R. Blood reported for The Associated Press (AP).

Newsom spokesperson Brandon Richards responded: “These losers lost at the ballot box, and soon they will also lose in court.” (Photo: Governor Newsom)

The complaint, filed in federal court in California, targets the new congressional map pushed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in response to a similar Republican-led redistricting effort in Texas backed by President Donald Trump.

The move sets up a high-stakes legal and political showdown between the Republican administration and the Democratic governor, who is widely seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender.

“California’s redistricting scheme is a brazen power grab that tramples on civil rights and mocks the democratic process,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in an emailed statement.

“Governor Newsom’s attempt to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians will not stand.”

Newsom spokesperson Brandon Richards responded: “These losers lost at the ballot box, and soon they will also lose in court,” Adam Edelman also reported for NBC News.