US Justice Department Sues California Over ‘Gerrymandered’ Voting Maps. The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against California, accusing the state of using racially gerrymandered voting maps that unfairly favour Democrats. The challenge comes after voters approved Proposition 50 last week — a redistricting bill that gives Democrats an edge in five new congressional districts. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the maps a “brazen power grab” by Governor Gavin Newsom, claiming they violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. She said Newsom is trying to “entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians.” In response, a spokesperson for the governor dismissed the claims, saying: “These losers lost at the ballot box and soon they will also lose in court.. Federal prosecutors are seeking to block the new maps in court, arguing they were designed to offset Republican gains made through redistricting in Texas, setting up a major legal battle over political fairness and race in US elections.