Judges uphold redrawing to offset Texas gerrymandering as Newsom attacks lawsuit as ‘weak attempt to silence voters’
A federal appeals panel on Wednesday upheld the California ballot initiative that allows temporary changes to congressional district maps designed to benefit Democrats in upcoming elections.
The measure, known as Proposition 50, emerged in response to actions taken in Texas, where Republican leaders sought to adjust congressional districts to increase GOP representation in the US House. As the midterm elections approach, a period when shifts in party control are common, Trump urged Texas officials to redraw their maps to boost Republican seats.
In response, Governor Gavin Newsom and other Democratic leaders in California pushed for a special statewide vote. The election asked residents whether the state should adopt interim district maps aimed at flipping five Republican-held districts, including one formerly represented by the late congressman Doug LaMalfa.
After voters approved Prop 50, Republican opponents challenged the maps in court. They argued that the initiative violated the Voting Rights Act by intentionally crafting districts to advantage Hispanic and Latino voters.
