The California Supreme Court, dominated 6–1 by Democratic appointees, rejected a Republican lawsuit challenging Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) push to redraw the state’s congressional districts.
Republicans had argued that Democrats in the legislature violated the state Constitution’s 30-day minimum notice requirement for new proposals. But in a brief order issued Wednesday, the court dismissed the case without providing detailed reasoning.
The “Gut and Amend” Maneuver
At issue was Democrats’ use of a longstanding tactic known as “gut and amend.” Instead of introducing a fresh redistricting bill and waiting the required 30 days, lawmakers took an existing bill that had been on the docket long enough and replaced its contents with redistricting language.
Republicans said this maneuver violated public transparency rules. But Democrats maintained that the practice is permissible under California legislative procedure, and the state’s high court agreed.
Partisan Map to Move Forward
With the challenge struck down, Newsom and legislative Democrats are expected to pass the new map and place it before voters in a special November election that could cost taxpayers upwards of $200 million.
The plan would override the independent