Federal Panel Upholds California Redistricting Map

A three-judge federal panel in California ruled on Wednesday to uphold a voter-approved congressional redistricting map, rejecting Republican claims that the boundaries constituted illegal racial gerrymandering. The decision, issued by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, allows the new map to take effect for the 2026 midterm elections, potentially benefiting Democrats by targeting five Republican-held seats.

In a 2-1 opinion, the panel found that evidence of racial motivations in drawing the map was "exceptionally weak," while indications of partisan intent were "overwhelming." The majority, written by U.S. District Judge Josephine L. Staton and joined by District Judge Wesley L. Hsu, denied a preliminary injunction sought by the California Republican Party and other challengers. The judges noted that the map, enacted through Proposition 50, was presented to voters in partisan terms during the November 2024 special election, with no mention of racial considerations in official materials.

Proposition 50, approved by more than 60 percent of California voters, authorized the state legislature to override the independent redistricting commission and adopt...