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President Donald Trump’s recent call for Republicans to redraw U.S. House districts for the upcoming election has sparked an uncommon wave of mid-decade gerrymandering across states governed by both parties.
The Democrats are striving to secure just three more seats to reclaim control of the House from the Republicans. Trump aims to leverage redistricting to counteract the historical pattern where the president’s party often loses seats in midterm elections.
Here’s a closer look at the states’ responses:
States that passed new US House maps
Texas — This state was the first to respond to Trump’s redistricting prompt. Republican Governor Greg Abbott approved a new U.S. House map on August 29, potentially boosting Republican chances by adding five seats. As of now, Republicans control 25 out of the 38 seats. The newly drawn map is currently under legal scrutiny.
California — As a Democratic-led countermeasure to Trump’s redistricting initiative, the state legislature approved a new U.S. House map. This map seeks to bypass districts established by an independent citizens commission following the 2020 census, potentially enabling Democrats to gain five more seats. Presently, Democrats hold 43 of the 52 seats. The proposal awaits voter approval in an election scheduled for Tuesday.
Missouri — The second Republican-led state to approve new House districts sought by Trump. Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a new map into law Sept. 28 that could help Republicans win an additional seat by reshaping a Democratic-held district in Kansas City. Republicans currently hold six of Missouri’s eight seats. Opponents are gathering signatures for a petition that could force a statewide referendum on the map and have filed several lawsuits.
North Carolina — The third Republican-led state to approve new House districts sought by Trump. The Republican-led General Assembly gave final approval Oct. 22 to changes that could help Republicans win an additional seat by reshaping a Democratic-held district in eastern North Carolina. No gubernatorial approval is needed. Republicans currently hold 10 of the 14 seats. The revised map faces a legal challenge.
Ohio — A panel of elected officials who are primarily Republicans voted Oct. 31 to approve new U.S. House districts that could boost the GOP’s chances of winning two already competitive seats. Republicans currently hold 10 of the 15 seats. Redistricting was required by the state constitution because the previous map was enacted without bipartisan support.
Utah — The Republican-led Legislature approved revised House districts Oct. 6 after a judge struck down the districts adopted after the 2020 census because lawmakers had circumvented an independent redistricting commission established by voters. The revised map, which still needs court approval, could make some seats more competitive for Democrats. Republicans currently hold all four seats.
States taking steps toward congressional redistricting
Louisiana — Republican Gov. Jeff Landry in October signed legislation to delay the state’s primary elections from April 18 to May 16. The change could give lawmakers extra time to redraw U.S. House districts in case the Supreme Court overturns the state’s current congressional map. Republicans currently hold four of the six seats.
Virginia — The Democratic-led General Assembly in October endorsed a proposed a constitutional amendment allowing mid-decade redistricting in response to similar efforts elsewhere. Democrats currently hold six of the 11 U.S. House districts under a map imposed by a court in 2021 after a bipartisan commission failed to agree on a plan. The amendment needs another round of legislative approval next year to be placed on the statewide ballot.
Indiana — Republican Gov. Mike Braun called for a special legislative session on congressional redistricting to begin in November. Republicans currently hold seven of the nine seats.
Kansas — Republican lawmakers are gathering petition signatures from colleagues to try to call themselves into special session on congressional redistricting in November. Republicans currently hold three of the four seats.
States considering mid-decade redistricting
Colorado — Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser, a gubernatorial candidate, has expressed support for a constitutional amendment to allow mid-decade redistricting. The measure would need to go on a statewide ballot. Democrats and Republicans each currently hold four seats.
Florida — Republican state House Speaker Daniel Perez has created a special committee on congressional redistricting. Republicans currently hold 20 of the state’s 28 seats.
Illinois — U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee have urged state lawmakers to redraw Illinois’ districts. Democrats currently hold 14 of the 17 seats.
Maryland — Some Democratic state lawmakers have proposed congressional redistricting legislation, though the Senate president says the chamber won’t move forward with redistricting. Democrats currently hold seven of the eight seats.
New York — Democratic state lawmakers have filed a proposed constitutional amendment to allow mid-decade redistricting. The measure would need to be approved by the Legislature in two separate sessions, then placed on the statewide ballot. Democrats currently hold 19 of the 26 seats.
Nebraska — Republican Gov. Jim Pillen has expressed support for mid-decade redistricting. Republicans already hold all three House seats but could try to shore up a competitive district that includes Omaha.