Federal judges allow California to use new US House map ahead of 2026 election
January 14, 2026
A panel of federal judges has sided with California in the fight over a new U.S. House map approved by voters. It is designed to help Democrats flip as many as five House seats in the 2026 elections to take control of the chamber. The Wednesday ruling is a victory for Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic allies. The map is California’s counter to a similar effort in Texas backed by President Donald Trump. State Republicans and the U.S. Justice Department say California illegally considered race to favor Hispanic voters while drawing the map. A three-judge panel ruled 2-1 to deny their request to block the map for future elections.