US justice department sues California over new voting maps favouring Democrats

The US justice department is filing a lawsuit against the state of California over new congressional maps that voters approved in an election last week.

The new maps favour Democrats and aim to cancel out gains made by Republicans after they drew new voting lines in Texas. Attorney General Pam Bondi accused California Governor Gavin Newsom of a "brazen" power grab.

"Newsom should be concerned about keeping Californians safe and shutting down Antifa violence, not rigging his state for political gain," she said.

California voters overwhelmingly approved the redistricting bill known as Proposition 50, that gave Democrats an advantage in five new congressional districts.