Prop 50: appeals court rejects Republican bid to block California maps

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Marina DunbarJanuary 14, 2026 at 11:30 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

A federal appeals court upheld California's Proposition 50, a ballot initiative allowing temporary changes to congressional district maps. The measure was a response to Republican efforts in Texas to redraw districts for partisan gain. Prop 50 aims to potentially flip five Republican-held districts in California. Republican opponents challenged the maps, arguing they violated the Voting Rights Act by intentionally favoring Hispanic and Latino voters. The court rejected this argument in a 2-1 ruling, stating there was no evidence of discriminatory intent. The dispute is expected to advance to the US Supreme Court, where a similar case in Texas was previously allowed to stand.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Doug LaMalfa 30% Voting Rights Act 40% United States House of Representatives 50% Gavin Newsom ×260% Donald Trump ×260% United States Supreme Court ×260% Democratic Party ×570% Texas ×570% Republican Party (GOP) ×780% California ×490% Proposition 50 ×490%

Keywords

redistricting 90% proposition 50 80% gerrymandering 80% election maps 70% voting rights act 70% racial gerrymandering 60% partisan gerrymandering 60% california 50% us supreme court 50% midterm elections 40%