Case Summary

California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton filed a lawsuit on September 4, 2025, alleging California's Proposition 50 violated the 14th Amendment and should be barred from appearing on the ballot. Plaintiffs later requested a preliminary injunction which was denied.

Case Library

United States District Court for the Central District of California, Southern Division. Case No. 8:25-cv-1988

• Complaint for Civil Rights Violation (42 U.S.C. § 1983), Declaratory and Injunctive Relief - 9/4/25
• Plaintiff Steve Hilton's Notice of Motion and Motion for Preliminary Injunction - 10/3/25
• Plaintiff Steve Hilton's Amended Notice of Motion and Motion for Preliminary Injunction - 10/7/25
• Amicus Curiae Carl Gordon's Motion for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of Plaintiff and Notice of Motion - 10/2/25
• Notice of Motion and Motion (1) for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief by Carl Gordon in Support of Plaintiff, and (2) for Preliminary Injunction - 10/2/25
• Opposition of the Legislature of the State of California to Plaintiff's Ex Parte Application for an Order Shortening Time to Hear Motion for Preliminary Injunction - 10/9/25
• Notice of Motion and Amicus Gordon's Request for Judicial Notice of Court, Federal, and State Records [...] in Support of Amicus' Motion [...] - 10/7/25
• (In Chambers) Order Denying Plaintiff's Ex Parte Application - 10/15/25
• Plaintiff's Notice and Request for the Appointment of a Three Judge Panel to Hear the Pending Motion for Preliminary Injunction - 10/17/25
• Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of Opposition of the Legislature of the State of California to Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction - 10/20/25
• Defendants' Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction - 10/20/25
• Plaintiff's Supplemental Briefing Addressing the Requirements of Article III - 10/24/25
• Defendants' Supplemental Brief Opposing Plaintiff's Request for the Appointment of a Three-Judge Panel - 10/24/25
• Real Party in Interest Legislature of the State of California's Supplemental Brief Regarding Article III Jurisdiction - 10/24/25
• Plaintiff's Reply to Opposition to Motion for Preliminary Injunction - 10/27/25
• Notice of Motion and Motion Amicus Curiae Carl Gordon's Motion and Request for Judicial Notice - 10/24/25
• Order [Denying Motions for Preliminary Injunction and Request for the appointment of a Three Judge Panel and Dismissing Plaintiff's Complaint] - 11/4/25
• Notice of Voluntary Dismissal Under Rule 41(a)(1)(A)(i) - 11/4/25