Democrats Fight Back as Redistricting Battle Expands Nationwide

While Republican states redraw maps to consolidate power, Democrats in California are pushing a counter-effort led by Gov. Gavin Newsom. A November ballot measure would temporarily suspend California’s independent redistricting commission — allowing lawmakers to add up to five new Democrat-leaning districts in response to GOP moves across the country.

North Carolina’s proposal follows similar GOP-led redistricting drives in Texas and Missouri, both designed to create additional Republican seats. However, both maps now face legal challenges, and activists in Missouri are working to overturn the plan through a petition campaign.

Republicans currently control both legislative chambers and the governor’s office in 23 states, compared with 15 under full Democratic control, giving the GOP a major structural advantage in shaping congressional maps.

Several other Republican-led states — including Kansas, Indiana, Ohio, and Utah — are also considering or revisiting redistricting plans. In Kansas, lawmakers have set aside $460,000 to fund a possible special session aimed at targeting the district of Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids.

Meanwhile, in Indiana, GOP officials — with encouragement from the White House and Vice President J.D. Vance — are eyeing an additional seat currently held by Democrats.

As both parties brace for legal battles and political fallout, the map wars are shaping up to be one of the defining fights leading into the next election cycle.