The GOP argues the map uses race to redraw districts, potentially violating equal protection and the 15th Amendment, while acknowledging limits on federal challenges to partisan gerrymandering after recent Supreme Court rulings.

The DOJ accuses Mitchell and state leaders of redrawing districts to create Latino-majority districts, while Democratic officials dispute this characterization.

Key legal questions include whether the map uses race to advantage Latino voters in violation of the Constitution and whether it complies with the Voting Rights Act in handling Latino and Black majority districts.

The lawsuit argues the map preserves and expands Latino Voting Rights Act districts, though critics claim race was used as a political proxy; studies cited suggest increased Latino voting power.

A federal court in Los Angeles will decide whether California’s newly approved congressional map, designed to help Democrats gain up to five House seats, can be used in the 2026 elections.

Prop. 50, approved by voters in November, is positioned by supporters as a check against partisan gerrymandering, while opponents acknowledge it reduces Republican influence but frame it as a temporary fix.

The map targets potential party gains in the midterms and fits into a broader national dispute over district drawing after the Census, with multiple states facing related lawsuits or political challenges.

Testimony centers on Mitchell’s role and potential legislative privilege objections to releasing emails, alongside the broader voter-approval context and ballot materials.

The investigation examines the use of race in drawing districts and cites state Democrats’ statements about the map’s impact on minority voting power.

The case highlights ongoing tensions in U.S. redistricting post-Census, contrasting independent commissions with legislative control.

Legal experts are divided on the map’s fate, with some predicting it will stand and others noting the difficulty of proving racial predominance in districting.

Paul Mitchell, the Democratic redistricting designer, is expected to testify, with the central question being whether the map increases Latino voting power without unlawfully disadvantaging other groups.