California Republicans Sue to Block Prop 50 Redistricting Plan

California's Proposition 50, backed by Governor Gavin Newsom and the state's Democratic legislature, seeks to dismantle the bipartisan Citizens Redistricting Commission established by voters to ensure fair electoral maps, instead returning redistricting power to the state legislature. Critics, including California Republicans, argue that Prop 50 is a partisan power grab that violates the state Constitution by combining two unrelated questions into one ballot measure, undermining fair elections and voter rights. In response, Republicans have filed a lawsuit to block the measure, which they view as a retaliatory move against Republican efforts in Texas to redraw congressional districts favoring their party. President Donald Trump announced plans to have the Department of Justice file lawsuits against California's redistricting effort and also against the Senate's use of blue slips, which he claims obstruct his judicial appointments. Public opposition to early redistricting efforts is also evident in states like Indiana, where a majority of registered voters oppose Republicans revising their congressional maps. This unfolding battle highlights a broader national conflict over redistricting, political power, and election fairness ahead of upcoming elections.