Republicans Redraw Maps to Secure 2026 House Control Amid Trump Influence

President Donald Trump is actively shaping the 2026 midterm elections by urging Republican lawmakers to redraw congressional maps to secure GOP dominance in the House, while also endorsing and influencing candidates in key races such as New Jersey's gubernatorial election. Despite some backlash, many Republican candidates remain loyal to Trump, aligning closely with his policies and rhetoric, which consolidates party support but risks alienating moderate voters and deepening partisan divides. Trump emphasizes the importance of winning the midterms to prevent what he describes as a shift toward radical left-wing policies, focusing on critical contests in states like New York, Virginia, and New Jersey. GOP officials express confidence in their position for 2026 compared to 2022, with Trump's active involvement in candidate selection and campaign strategy seen as a major factor in their planning. Meanwhile, Democrats face internal divisions and less voter enthusiasm than in 2018, when they made significant House gains, raising concerns about their ability to replicate that success in the upcoming midterms. The ongoing political battles over redistricting, voter mobilization, and candidate alignment underscore the high stakes of the 2026 elections for control of Congress and the future of Trump's presidency.