In September, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed laws making California the first state in the nation to prohibit federal law enforcement from hiding their identities.

The stage is set for a high-stakes legal and political fight between the Republican administration and Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is seen as a likely 2028 presidential contender.

The U.S. Department of Justice sued California officials Thursday over the state's redistricting plan, which could help Democrats pick up additional seats in Congress. The outcome of the legal battle could determine which party controls the U.

The Justice Department joins a lawsuit over Prop 50, California’s new congressional maps, setting up a major fight ahead of the 2026 midterms.