Partisan Redistricting Battle Escalates Before 2026

Texas Republicans, backed by former President Trump, are pursuing a rare mid-decade redistricting effort ahead of the 2026 midterms, aiming to gain up to five additional GOP House seats. In response, Democrats are openly debating whether to abandon their traditional opposition to partisan gerrymandering and adopt similar tactics in blue states. Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke has called for Democrats to be 'ruthless' and supports redrawing maps in states like California, New York, and Illinois. California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed eliminating the state's independent redistricting commission to enable more favorable Democratic maps. Some Democrats warn that these moves accelerate a 'race to the bottom,' but others see them as necessary to counter Republican strategies. The intensifying partisan battle highlights a significant shift in U.S. redistricting norms ahead of the 2026 elections.