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The California Republican Party on Tuesday filed an emergency application with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to block a newly redrawn congressional map approved by voters last year from taking effect.
California voters approved the map as part of Proposition 50 in November. Republicans argue the redistricting plan was designed to bolster Democrats’ majority in the state’s congressional delegation and counter potential Republican gains from redistricting in other states.
In its emergency filing, the California GOP asked the Supreme Court to act by Feb. 9 and argued that the map violates the U.S. Constitution by engaging in racial gerrymandering. The party contends the boundaries were redrawn to favor Hispanic voters in a way that is unlawful.
“Our emergency application asks the Supreme Court to put the brakes on Prop. 50 now, before the Democrats try to run out the clock and force candidates and voters to live with unconstitutional congressional districts,” California GOP Chairwoman Corrin Rankin said in a statement.
“Californians deserve fair districts and clean elections, not a backroom redraw that picks winners and losers based on race,” she added.
The emergency request follows a federal court ruling last week that upheld the new congressional map, clearing the way for its use unless the Supreme Court intervenes.
“Because we find that the evidence of any racial motivation driving redistricting is exceptionally weak, while the evidence of partisan motivations is overwhelming, challengers are not entitled to preliminary relief on any of their claims,” the court said in a 2-1 decision.
“Our conclusion probably seems obvious to anyone who followed the news in the summer and fall of 2025,” the ruling stated.
The filing asks Elena Kagan, the justice assigned to the Ninth Circuit, to issue an injunction pending appeal. If the high court declines to step in, the new districts would remain in place for upcoming elections in 2026, 2028 and 2030.