DOJ Files Massive Gavin Newsom Lawsuit

Last night, the DOJ officially filed a lawsuit against California Governor Gavin Newsom. This comes on the heels of California voters approving Proposition 50, which critics say will unfairly tip the political scales in favor of Democrats for years to come. This raises the question: Will Attorney General Pam Bondi be able to put a stop to gerrymandering?

As reported by Fox News:

The Department of Justice intervened Thursday in a lawsuit against Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom that is challenging California’s efforts to redraw the state’s congressional map in time for the next election.

DOJ Civil Rights Division lawyers argued in a complaint that race was “used as a proxy” in California to justify creating districts favorable to Democrats, a move that served to offset the redistricting showdown in Texas that resulted in more Republican-leaning districts.

“In the press, California’s legislators and governor sold a plan to promote the interests of Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections,” the DOJ lawyers wrote. “But amongst themselves and on the debate floor, the focus was not partisanship, but race.”

They added the Constitution “does not tolerate this racial gerrymander” and cited several remarks from lawmakers and others involved in the process about how they prioritized creating a Latino-majority district to counter Texas’ perceived attempt to “silence the voices of Latino voters.”

Essentially, California, under Governor Newsom, was trying to redraw congressional districts in a way that would specifically favor far-Left candidates in the upcoming midterm elections. Instead of letting the independent commission, already established by law, handle the maps, Prop 50 would bypass that process, creating districts designed with racial demographics in mind to maximize far-Left representation. The DOJ alleges this is blatant racial gerrymandering, violating both the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act.

The Republican Party of California had already filed a lawsuit challenging this, and now the federal government is stepping in with its own complaint. The DOJ isn’t just filing an amicus brief – it wants to be a full party in the case.

AG Bondi, speaking last night on Sean Hannity’s show, broke down why California’s attempting is illegal and must be stopped immediately:

They are flat-out publicizing what they’re trying to do and why they’re trying to do it. They’re trying to create seats based on race, and they can’t do it, and we’re going to hold them accountable just like any other state. I mean, they’ve very publicly said, Sean, what they’re trying to do, and it’s illegal gerrymandering. They cannot do it. So yes, we sued them today. We’re going to continue suing California until they start complying with the laws of our country.

This isn’t just a California issue. Other states are watching closely. When Texas did mid-decade redistricting, it argued it was about census numbers and non-citizens affecting representation. California, according to the DOJ, went further – explicitly trying to create additional far-Left-held seats. That sets a precedent other states might respond to, for better or worse. Indiana, for example, is already seeing discussions about adjusting its own maps in response.

This is sure to be a legal battle with major national implications. The DOJ is asking for an injunction to stop Prop 50 from being implemented for the 2026 elections, and the case is likely heading to a high-profile courtroom showdown. The federal government is clear: Racial gerrymandering for political gain is illegal, and states – even powerful California – cannot flout constitutional and federal law.

The ACLJ legal team will be keeping a close eye on this one. If the DOJ prevails, it could reshape the conversation on mid-decade redistricting nationwide, setting limits on what states can and cannot do when redrawing congressional districts for political advantage. And we’ll be ready to provide legal assistance in any way possible.

The story is still developing, but one thing is certain: Gavin Newsom is going to be spending a lot of time in court. And as always, the ACLJ will be on the front lines, making sure laws are upheld and rights are protected.

Today’s Sekulow broadcast included more analysis of this latest legal development around California’s controversial Prop 50. We are also celebrating a religious liberty win that the ACLJ scored for a teen student who simply wanted to start a Jesus Club in her New York public school, but was told she had to include all religions. The ACLJ legal team stepped in, and today we are proud to announce that the “Jesus Club” is approved and will now be a safe place for Christian students to share their faith and pray together.

Watch the full broadcast below: