Republican Redistricting Advances in Key States to Boost 2026 Midterm Prospects

Several states are engaging in mid-decade redistricting efforts to bolster Republican representation in Congress ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, responding to President Donald Trump's call to secure more GOP seats. North Carolina has approved a new congressional map designed to add an additional Republican seat, likely increasing GOP-held districts from 10 to 11 and threatening Democratic Rep. Don Davis's narrow seat. This map was passed along party lines in the state House and Senate, and the Democratic governor cannot veto it, though lawsuits from Democrats and voting rights groups are expected. While states like Texas and Missouri have pursued similar Republican-favoring redraws, efforts in Indiana have faltered, with Senate Republicans resisting Trump's push despite pressure and visits from figures like Vice President JD Vance. Democrats are also pursuing their own redistricting efforts in states like California to counter GOP advances. The Supreme Court's stance against a federal ban on political gerrymandering enables such partisan redistricting, intensifying the battle for control of the House, where Democrats need only a few seats to flip the majority and block Trump's agenda.