Republican-Led Redistricting Sparks National Battle Over Congressional Maps

Republicans are actively pursuing redistricting efforts across various states to consolidate and expand their political influence ahead of the 2026 elections. In South Carolina, Rep. Ralph Norman is pushing to redraw the congressional map to eliminate the seat held by Democrat Jim Clyburn, aiming for a fully Republican delegation to support President Donald Trump's agenda. Meanwhile, in New York, GOP Rep. Mike Lawler criticized Democrats for their opposition to redistricting efforts in red states, highlighting the hypocrisy given that New York Democrats enacted mid-decade redistricting last year. Nationally, Democrats like Sen. Ruben Gallego are condemning the GOP-backed tax and spending package signed by President Trump, arguing it has led to cuts in health and nutrition funding for working families and emphasizing the need to win back control in 2026. At the state level, Democratic lawmakers in Michigan and Washington are also grappling with budget and Medicaid funding issues, with Michigan Senate Democrats accusing House Republicans of obstructing budget passage, and Washington Republicans calling out Democrats for Medicaid cuts in the state budget despite opposing similar federal reductions. These developments underscore the deepening partisan battles over redistricting, fiscal policy, and social programs as both parties gear up for the midterm elections.