The California Republican Party filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday challenging a new state congressional map that is more favorable to Democrats, a day after voters approved a ballot measure that would allow for the temporary use of the map.
The state party and a cohort of voters argued the California Legislature violated the Constitution when it drew the new congressional lines based on race, particularly to favor Hispanic voters, infringing on a constitutional provision that prohibits racial discrimination.
The lawsuit, filed in the Central District of California, tees up a legal challenge to lines that will be facilitated by Proposition 50. The measure, a maneuver to hit back against redistricting by Republicans in Texas, would allow for a new congressional map designed to make it easier for Democrats to flip Republican-held seats.
