James Gallagher, a member of the California State Assembly, posted a series of tweets on August 20 and 21, 2025, expressing concerns about redistricting practices in California. Gallagher cited specific provisions from the state constitution and called for federal investigation into legislative actions.
On August 20, Gallagher referenced Article XXI of the California Constitution by posting: “Article XXI of the California Constitution, Sec. 2:
‘(4) The geographic integrity of any city, county, city and county, local neighborhood, or local community of interest shall be respected in a manner that minimizes their division to the extent possible without violating the https://t.co/TUYEwM9NdI’”.
Later that day, Gallagher announced a formal request for federal intervention: “Today, I joined several of my Assembly and Senate colleagues in formally requesting that @TheJusticeDept investigate Assemblymembers and Senators who are promoting partisan mid-decade redistricting to advance their political ambitions for higher office. https://t.co/lcWTqlzm2v”.
On August 21, Gallagher criticized judicial decisions related to redistricting transparency: “It is unfortunate that the court refused to step in to make the Legislature follow the constitution and give full public notice of their partisan #Gavinmandering redistricting scheme.
Nonetheless, we will continue to fight against this injustice and if the courts won’t stop https://t.co/jT5nYrGk7y”.
Redistricting in California is governed by Article XXI of the state constitution. This provision emphasizes maintaining community integrity during district boundary changes. Recent debates have focused on allegations that some legislators seek mid-decade adjustments for political advantage rather than following standard decennial procedures. The U.S. Department of Justice sometimes becomes involved when there are claims that such processes may violate federal law or constitutional principles.
