A nationwide redistricting battle is underway as Republican-led legislatures, influenced by former President Donald Trump, work to reshape congressional districts in favor of the GOP. In North Carolina, lawmakers have advanced a new congressional map that could give Republicans an advantage in 11 out of 14 House seats. This follows similar redistricting efforts in states like Texas and Missouri, which critics argue are attempts to entrench partisan control. The proposal has passed the state Senate, and since Democratic Governor Josh Stein cannot veto redistricting plans, it appears likely to be implemented.

Republicans contend that the new maps reflect voter preferences and align with Trump’s electoral success, while Democrats accuse the GOP of gerrymandering to manipulate election outcomes. On the other side of the aisle, California Governor Gavin Newsom is promoting a ballot initiative that would temporarily bypass the state’s independent redistricting commission to create five additional Democrat-leaning districts, a move intended to counteract the GOP’s efforts.

Redistricting disputes extend beyond North Carolina, with ongoing debates in Kansas, Indiana, Ohio, and Utah. With Republicans controlling the majority of state legislatures and governorships, they have a structural advantage in shaping congressional maps, potentially giving the GOP a long-term edge in the House of Representatives. The outcomes of these redistricting efforts will likely influence control of Congress in the coming years.