Republican candidate for California governor Steve Hilton asks for injunction to block Prop 50

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The fight against redistricting in California is reaching the federal level.

Steve Hilton, a republican running for governor and former Fox News commentator, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Central District Court of California’s Southern Division earlier this month and is now asking that same court for an injunction to stop Proposition 50.

“It’s illegal, it is unconstitutional, and it would silence millions of voices in California by removing their ability to affect elections,” said Steve Hilton, (R) Candidate for governor.

Prop 50 would temporarily set aside districts crafted by an independent commission and replace them with dramatically reshaped districts designed to shift five republican U.S. House seats to Democrats.

Democrats said the move is in response to redistricting in Texas, which was done at the urging of President Donald Trump to gain five more Republican seats in the 2026 midterm elections.

The California Republican Party has tried twice to sue against the measure, but both attempts were rejected by the California Supreme Court.

Hilton said he has higher hopes of success at the federal level because he’s alleging the proposition violates the 14th Amendment and equal protection rights for voters across the state.

“We have better odds because our argument is stronger,” said Hilton. “The lawsuits that have already been filed were all about the process, not the underlying constitutional principle of one person, one vote. Everyone’s vote should be of equal value.”

Hilton said he’s taking the step to request an injunction because Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber have not responded to the lawsuit Hilton filed in federal court on September 4.

Under federal rules, defendants typically have 21 days to file an answer after being served with a complaint.

Action News reached out to the Governor’s office on Wednesday, and they said, “The Governor’s Office has not responded as Mr. Hilton has not properly served the lawsuit – a legally required step to initiate litigation. As of today, that is still the case.”

The governor’s office did not provide any other comment on the lawsuit or injunction request.

Hilton wants the injunction in place before ballots are sent out to voters.

We also reached out to the Secretary of State Shirley Webber’s office, and they said she had no comment at this time.

For news updates, follow Kate Nemarich on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.