ISTANBUL

Republican lawmakers in the state of California requested a federal investigation Wednesday into alleged corruption involving Democratic state legislators and the state's redistricting scheme, claiming vote trading may have influenced the drawing of the congressional map.

In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, legislators alleged that Democrats engaged in "backroom dealing" and vote trading to benefit themselves politically through redistricting proposals.

"We write to request that the US Department of Justice consider opening an immediate investigation into allegations of corruption and illegality involving members of the California state legislature," the Republicans wrote.

The lawmakers cited media reports suggesting legislators drew district lines to benefit themselves in exchange for votes. "Various media outlets are reporting that several members of the state legislature may have not only engaged in drawing the lines of these maps to benefit themselves politically but may be providing their vote for these proposals on the condition that the maps are drawn to benefit themselves," said the letter.

The KCRA news outlet reported that one powerful senator "had one of the new, targeted districts drawn specifically for him in exchange for his support of the redistricting plan."

The Republicans claimed "federal laws could have been violated in the scheming surrounding these backroom deals."

Signatories of the letter included Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, Assemblyman Carl DeMaio and several other legislators.

Assembly Committee considers redistricting package

The California State Assembly's Appropriations Committee met Wednesday to discuss a legislative package toward redistricting, following an elections committee hearing Tuesday that advanced the proposal.

The package, introduced Monday ahead of an expected vote Thursday, paves the way for a Nov. 4 special election to temporarily redraw five Republican-held congressional districts to favor Democrats. The initiative directly responds to redistricting efforts in the state of Texas backed by President Donald Trump, said California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Tuesday's Assembly elections committee hearing saw tensions as GOP members accused Democrats of rushing the approval process and limiting questioning time. The committee advanced SB 280, calling for the statewide special election to amend the state constitution, allowing temporary congressional maps that would bypass California's independent redistricting commission.