Republicans asked a federal court to block newly approved maps in California that were designed to flip as many as five House seats for Democrats.

The approval of Proposition 50 could allow Democrats to gain up to five additional seats in the 2026 midterms.

In a major win for Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats, the state can now adopt new maps with more blue-leaning districts.

The changes could result in Democrats representing nearly all of Northern California in the House, including the conservative far reaches toward the Oregon border.

California's Proposition 50 could reshape congressional districts while New York City voters will decide on election timing and affordable housing measures.

But Republicans could still be ahead by four seats in the redistricting battle. New districts adopted in Missouri and North Carolina could help Republicans win one additional seat in each state. And a new U.S. House map approved last week in Ohio boosts Republicans’ chances to win two additional seats.

The Department of Justice sent election monitors to six polling locations in New Jersey and California. California says they will send state monitors to observe the federal ones. MSNBC Reporter Alex Tabet has more details from New Jersey.

California farmers and the state Farm Bureau are speaking out against Prop 50, warning it could dilute rural influence as Democrats seek to redraw congressional lines.

Bomb threats to New Jersey polling stations, a voter roll mishap in Pennsylvania potentially affecting thousands of voters and warnings by President Donald Trump against California’s mail balloting sy