North Carolina’s legislature has approved a new congressional map that is expected to add another Republican seat, continuing a broader trend of mid-decade redistricting supported by former President Donald Trump. This plan, which builds on GOP advantages from 2023, cannot be vetoed by Democratic Governor Josh Stein, though it is likely to face legal challenges.
Similar redistricting efforts are taking place in other Republican-controlled states like Texas and Missouri, where leaders aim to redraw district lines before the 2024 census to solidify or expand their control of the U.S. House. Critics argue that these moves amount to gerrymandering, while proponents argue they are necessary to address population shifts and ensure legal compliance. This issue is not limited to Republican states, as Democrats in Illinois and Maryland have faced similar accusations.
In response, California Democrats are backing Proposition 50, which would authorize temporary changes to congressional maps that could threaten several Republican-held seats. With the GOP holding more state legislatures, these redistricting battles are poised to play a key role in determining the makeup of Congress in 2026, highlighting the ongoing impact of partisan mapmaking on U.S. politics.
