California Supreme Court Allows Newsom’s Redistricting Plan

• Aug 21, 2025

The California Supreme Court has declined to block Democrats from moving forward with Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan, clearing the way for the legislature to vote on it Thursday.

Republican lawmakers had asked the court to intervene, arguing that Democrats violated a state rule requiring lawmakers to wait at least 30 days before passing newly introduced legislation. But in a ruling late Wednesday, the justices rejected the request, saying the Republicans “failed to meet their burden of establishing a basis for relief at this time.”

With the court’s decision, the Democratic-controlled legislature is expected to pass the plan and send it to Newsom’s desk for approval. Democrats, who hold a supermajority in the statehouse, want to place the proposal on the ballot in a special election scheduled for November 4.

The redistricting bills aim to redraw boundaries for several congressional districts in a way that could flip five Republican-held seats in California. Democrats say their push is a direct response to President Trump and Texas Republicans, who have sought to reshape districts in Texas to strengthen GOP control.

California currently has 52 congressional districts, nine of which are held by Republicans. Under the proposal, five of those seats could become more favorable to Democrats. However, the move could also require amending California’s Constitution to bypass the independent commission that usually oversees redistricting.

The outcome of this battle may significantly affect the balance of power in Washington. Republicans currently hold only a narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, and flipping seats in California could be pivotal for Democrats’ efforts to regain control.

Newsom, who is seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender, defended the effort on Wednesday, framing it as both a legal and political necessity. “Look, what we’re doing neuters, neutralizes what’s happening in Texas,” he told reporters. “People have this chance with this ballot — Nov. 4 — to stand up to the rule of law, to stand up for coequal branches of government, and to stand up to, yes, Donald Trump.”

Republican lawmakers vowed to continue fighting the plan, calling it unconstitutional. “We will continue to challenge this unconstitutional power grab in the courts and at the ballot box,” they said in a statement. “Californians deserve fair, transparent elections, not secret backroom deals to protect politicians.”