Supreme Court Clears California’s New Electoral Map Ahead of 2026 Midterms

Supreme Court grants emergency approval on Feb 4 2026 – The U.S. Supreme Court issued an unmotivated, urgent order allowing California to implement its newly drawn congressional map, clearing the way for its use in the upcoming elections [1].

Map designed to give Democrats five extra House seats – The redistricting plan aims to create five additional districts favorable to the Democratic Party, potentially shifting the balance of power in the House of Representatives in the November 2026 midterm vote [1].

Adopted by November 2025 referendum pushed by Gov. Newsom – California voters approved the new map in a November 2025 ballot measure championed by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, presented as a counter‑measure to a similar Republican‑led redrawing in Texas [2].

Newsom accuses Trump of sparking the redistricting war – On X, Newsom quoted Trump’s claim that he “has a right” to five extra Texas seats and warned that the president “lost, and will lose again in November,” framing the California map as retaliation [1].

California Republicans did not respond to AFP inquiry – The state Republican Party was contacted for comment on the court’s decision but offered no immediate reaction [1].

Redistricting battles now span both parties after 2024 census – Occurring every ten years, the latest round of redistricting follows the 2024 census; courts upheld a Republican‑favored Texas map in December 2025 after rejecting racial‑bias arguments, setting a precedent for the California ruling [3][4].