Mid-Decade Redistricting Poised to Shift US House Control Amid Legal Challenges

A wave of redistricting efforts across several states is poised to reshape political landscapes and potentially shift control of the U.S. House of Representatives. In California, a proposal would transform Congressman Darrell Issa's district from a safe Republican seat into a competitive battleground by redrawing boundaries to include more Democratic-leaning areas, increasing the likelihood of a tougher race. Meanwhile, Missouri's Republican Governor Mike Kehoe signed a new congressional map expected to flip a Democratic seat by splitting Kansas City into multiple districts favoring GOP candidates, though this move faces multiple legal challenges from Democrats and civil rights groups. This redistricting push is part of a broader strategy endorsed by President Donald Trump, who argues that the 2020 census was flawed due to the counting of illegal immigrants, disadvantaging Republican representation. States like Texas have already enacted new maps potentially adding several Republican seats, and others like Ohio are pursuing similar plans to counteract demographic shifts. These efforts have sparked controversy, with Democrats accusing Republicans of a power grab, while Republicans contend the changes are necessary to restore fair representation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.