The US Justice Department have entered the fray in a lawsuit brought forward by California Republicans, aiming to prevent the state's recently passed electoral boundaries.
This court case, submitted to federal court, targets the map championed by the state's Democratic governor, which was created in response to a Republican-led gerrymander in Texas.
"The state's redistricting scheme represents a blatant attempt to seize control that violates civil rights and undermines the electoral system," declared the US attorney general.
The Democratic party have voiced assurance that the new maps will survive court challenges.
"The plaintiffs lost at the ballot box and they are likely to face defeat in the judicial system," stated a representative for the governor.
Constitutional Challenge
The lawsuit asserts that California's map improperly used race as a factor to significantly advantage Hispanic voters in violation of the US Constitution.
"It is unconstitutional to use race as a substitute to advance political interests, but that is precisely what the California General Assembly did with Proposition 50," stated a senior official from the Civil Rights Division.
Political Context
The legal battle represents the most significant counterpunch by the Democratic party in the ongoing political battle that started with Texas and has spread across multiple states.
In contrast to elsewhere, where GOP-controlled legislatures have enacted gerrymanders, California's plan required voter approval, which it received with approximately two-thirds of the vote.
Wider Consequences
The Democratic party need to gain just a handful of Republican-held House seats to take control of the House of Representatives in next year's midterm election.
The political group controlling the controlling share will shape the final years of the current administration, determining whether a unified Republican Congress will persist in implementing its political program or encounter opposition, congressional probes and potential additional obstacles.
- Legal counsel for the challengers is being provided by a prominent law firm
- The managing partner currently serves as assistant attorney general
- However, this attorney has been removed from the current litigation
