State’s Congressional Remapping OKd
The Justice Department approved California’s congressional reapportionment plan Wednesday, saying it complies with the federal Voting Rights Act.
The state Supreme Court adopted the new California districts in January, after Republican Gov. Pete Wilson vetoed reapportionment plans passed by the Democratic-controlled Legislature. States are required to redraw their legislative and congressional districts every 10 years to reflect population changes revealed by the federal census.
Both Democrats and minority groups have criticized the court-approved plans. Republicans hope to gain three to nine seats under the congressional plan.
The department’s action does not preclude court suits intended to overturn the plans, Dunne said.
The decision pertained only to congressional boundaries. Redistricting of the two houses of the state Legislature is still under review by Justice Department lawyers.
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
