Multiple US States Implement Mid-Decade Gerrymandering Ahead 2026 Elections

President Donald Trump's push for mid-decade redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms has sparked a wave of gerrymandering efforts by both Republican- and Democratic-led states seeking to influence House control. Republican-led states such as Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Indiana have approved or are considering new congressional maps designed to favor Republicans, potentially adding several seats to their tally and bolstering Trump's congressional support. In response, Democratic-led states like California and Virginia are pursuing their own redistricting plans to counteract Republican advantages, including efforts to amend state constitutions and propose new legislation subject to voter approval. These moves represent a departure from the traditional once-a-decade redistricting following the census, reflecting heightened political stakes in controlling the House. Legal challenges and voter referenda are already underway in some states, highlighting the contentious nature of these efforts. Additionally, concerns about election integrity and potential legal battles over vote counting have been raised by Trump in the context of the 2026 midterms, signaling a broader strategy to maintain Republican dominance in Congress.