California Supreme Court greenlights Newsom's gerrymander
California's liberal Supreme Court has rejected a second attempt by the state's Republicans to stop Governor Gavin Newsom's (D) gerrymander.
The Supreme Court did not explain its decision to approve Proposition 50, which would eliminate up to five Republican House seats if it passes in a special election this fall.
California gerrymander proceeds
California's Republicans have denounced Proposition 50 as an unconstitutional power grab that is democratic in name only.
The initiative transfers power over redistricting from an independent commission that is enshrined in the state's Constitution to the Democrat-run legislature through 2030.
Proposition 50 violates various constitutional rules, including a legal requirement for 30 days' notice of new legislation, Republican challengers said in their petition. But their arguments fell on deaf ears.
“The petition for writ of mandate and application for stay are denied,” the Supreme Court noted.
The Supreme Court's denial marks the second time that the court voted to approve Newsom's gerrymander.
“The Supreme Court’s abdication in its responsibility to be a checks and balance on the other branches of the government, let alone deny the opportunity to even hear the arguments being made, undermines voter confidence and sets a terrifying precedent that the governor and a willing legislature can blatantly disregard and violate the constitution at will, without the fear of any accountability or punishment," the Republican plaintiffs said.
"We are watching in real time the destruction of law-and-order, and of our republic at the hands of a democratic governor, democratic super-majority legislature and Supreme Court. This is likely only a sad preview of what is to come if Prop 50 passes. We will continue to fight on behalf of Californians seeking an honest and accountable government.”
Newsom relishes Trump clash
Prominent Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, have backed Newsom's effort, calling it a justified response to a Republican redistricting push in Texas.
Newsom has flaunted his partisan motivation as he tries to cast himself as a Trumpian figure who is not afraid to play dirty against the right.
“48 hours later, this case has already been rejected,” Gov. Newsom wrote on X. “Keep em coming, @GOP. We'll keep winning.”
The ambitious governor is relishing a fight with President Trump, who has said the Justice Department will sue to stop Newsom's effort.
“I think I’m going to be filing a lawsuit pretty soon, and I think we’re going to be very successful in it,” Trump said this week.
“We’re going to be filing it through the Department of Justice. That’s going to happen,” he said.