Summary
Several U.S. states are redrawing congressional voting districts before the November midterm elections. These changes aim to give an advantage to either the Democratic or Republican parties, with key efforts ongoing in Florida, Virginia, Texas, and California.
Key Facts
- Maryland ended Democratic efforts to redraw its House districts this legislative session.
- Virginia voters are deciding on a Democratic plan that could add up to four House seats for Democrats.
- Florida's Republican Governor Ron DeSantis called a special session starting April 28 for redistricting, but no plan has been made public yet.
- Redistricting usually happens every 10 years after the census, but President Donald Trump encouraged Texans to redraw districts mid-decade to favor Republicans.
- Republicans hope to gain nine extra House seats this year from redistricting; Democrats aim for six additional seats.
- Texas and California have already approved new maps favoring Republicans and Democrats, respectively.
- The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Texas's new map despite claims of racial gerrymandering.
- Virginia’s redistricting plan requires voter approval and faces legal challenges in the state courts.
