Getting Ready for Mid-Term Elections

Efforts to redraw U.S. House districts for partisan advantage are spreading to more states ahead of next year’s elections. As taken from, “The fight to redraw U.S. House maps is spreading. Here is where things stand in Missouri and other states,” PBS News. Lawmakers in three states have approved new congressional districts. This occurring since President Donald Trump began pushing for mid-decade redistricting.

The trend began in Texas, where the Republican-led Legislature passed a plan backed by Trump. California Democrats responded with their own map to help their party, though it still requires voter approval. On Sunday, Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a revised congressional map into law.

Redistricting typically occurs once a decade, immediately after a census. But in some states, there is no prohibition on a mid-cycle map makeover. The U.S. Supreme Court also has said there is no federal prohibition on political gerrymandering, in which districts are intentionally drawn to one party’s advantage.

Nationally, Democrats need to gain three seats next year to take control of the House. The party of the president typically loses seats in the midterm congressional elections.

Abbreviated run down of which states may redraw election districts. If you wish a bit more detail, PBS can offer some more, here.

Missouri plan: Missouri lawmakers passed a revised U.S. House map that could give Republicans a better shot at winning seven of the state’s eight congressional districts — one additional.

Texas: Democratic state House members left Texas for two weeks to scuttle a special session on redistricting. Upon return, the Gov. again called a special session and prevailed.

California: Countering Texas? Democrats held 43 of 52 congressional seats. Legislature passed a revised map giving Democrats a chance to gain five additional seats in the 2026 elections.

Indiana: Governor – redistricting session probable. Redistricting probably will happen, November? Does not want to call a special session until confident there will be a successful outcome. 7-2 edge over Dems.

Kansas: Republican state Senate President Ty Masterson, lawmakers are working out the details and will call the session. 3-1 over Dems.

Utah: Taking public comment on proposals for new U.S. House districts. Expected to vote by Oct. 6 on final plan and submit for court review. 4-0 edge.

Ohio: Ohio’s constitution requires new U.S. House districts. The ones adopted by Republicans after the 2020 census did not have sufficient bipartisan support. 10-5 majority over Dems.

Louisiana: Louisiana lawmakers told to keep calendars open between Oct. 23 and Nov. 13. SCOTUS is scheduled to hear arguments Oct.15 over a challenge to the state’s congressional map. 4 of 6 REpubs.

Maryland: Dems sponsoring redistricting. Dems hold 7 of 8 districts.

Florida: House Speaker Daniel Perez will take up redistricting through special committee. New census count – claiming the state could have another congressional seat. Repubs hold twenty of 28 seats.

New York: State Democrats introduced legislation to allow mid-decade redistricting. Soonest new maps could be in place would be for 2028 elections. Constitution limit.

Illinois: Gov. JB Pritzker- possible to redraw the state’s congressional districts to create more seats favoring Democrats. Dems hold 14 of 17 seats.