Redrawing Battle

States across the country move to redraw their congressional districts outside the traditional once-per-decade cycle, intensifying a national fight over control of Congress ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Context

The redistricting effort began in Texas over the summer at President Trump's urging and the behest of Governor Greg Abbott (R). Following a showdown that saw Democrats flee the state to avoid redistricting efforts, Texas lawmakers eventually approved a map that could give Republicans up to five additional House seats, though it still faces challenges in federal court.

California Democrats quickly responded by pushing their own redistricting plan to counter the Republican moves. Governor Gavin Newsom (D) pressed the state's legislature to approve a new map that could flip as many as five Republican-held House seats to favor Democrats, which requires approval from California voters this November.

Newest Efforts 

On Monday, Indiana and Virginia became the latest states to call special legislative sessions to consider redistricting. Indiana's Republican governor announced a session set to begin next week, though it remains unclear whether he has enough legislative support to pass a new map.