President Trump's push to have Texas Republicans redraw congressional lines has ignited a mid-decade redistricting arms race, with Democrats in California countering with their own map and party leaders intensifying efforts nationwide. Mid-decade redistricting aims to alter the balance of competitive seats ahead of the 2026 House elections, with control hinging on a shrinking number of districts. Bipartisan warnings note that mid-cycle map changes can strip voters of responsive representation, while other observers caution that more partisan maps could erode the constitutional power of the people's House. Proposed plans could shift multiple seats and eliminate existing districts, affecting local projects and representation.
President Trump's push for Texas Republicans to redraw congressional lines ahead of next year's midterm elections has triggered a redistricting arms race. Democrats in California have already moved to counter Texas with a new map of their own, and leaders of both parties are intensifying similar efforts in states across the country. In a more typical political climate, redistricting happens just once every 10 years.
Under the plan finalized by the GOP-led Texas legislature last weekend, Republicans stand to win five additional seats in Congress during next year's midterms. California Governor Gavin Newsom has, in turn, signed legislation that forces a November vote on a referendum to remove the role of an independent redistricting commission in the state. Democrats there are hoping to adopt a new map created by the House Democrats' campaign arm designed to oust five Republicans from office.
One of those Republicans is Rep. Kevin Kiley. His district runs along most of California's border with Nevada, but under the new map drawn by Democrats it won't exist anymore. "Our voters have made it very clear that politicians should not be in charge of drawing their own district lines. That's an inherent conflict of interest," Kiley said in an interview. Kiley sees practical implications in the push to redraw California's maps. He says he worked to secure $22 million for a road project for the largest county in his district.
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