WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted California to proceed with a new congressional map approved by voters that benefits Democrats in this year’s elections, dismissing a last-minute request from state Republicans and the Trump administration.
The justices had earlier allowed Texas’ Republican-leaning map for use in 2026, despite a lower court ruling suggesting it likely discriminates based on race.
Conservative Justice Samuel Alito mentioned in December that it seemed both states crafted new maps for political gain, which the high court has ruled cannot be grounds for a federal lawsuit.
Republicans, along with the administration, argued that the California map relied improperly on race. However, a lower court disagreed with a 2-1 vote.
The justices’ unsigned order maintains districts intended to flip up to five seats currently held by Republicans, as part of an ongoing nationwide redistricting struggle fueled by President Donald Trump, with control of Congress at stake during midterm elections.
Last year, at Trump’s urging, Texas Republicans revised the state’s congressional districts aiming to gain five additional seats.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat eyeing a presidential run in 2028 vowed to retaliate similarly but needed to gain support from voters rather than just lawmakers to do so.
Filing for congressional primaries in California begins Feb. 9.
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