A nationwide redistricting battle is emerging as Republican-led legislatures in several states move to redraw congressional boundaries ahead of the next midterm elections. The efforts have been strongly encouraged by President Donald Trump and his allies, who are urging GOP lawmakers to create additional Republican-leaning districts in order to strengthen the party’s majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In North Carolina, Republican legislators recently advanced a new congressional map that could significantly reshape the state’s political landscape. The proposal targets the district currently represented by Democratic Rep. Don Davis and would likely give Republicans an advantage in 11 of North Carolina’s 14 House seats. At present, the party holds a favorable position in 10 of those districts. If approved, the plan would increase the number of newly drawn Republican-leaning districts across the country to seven this year.
North Carolina joins several other states, including Texas and Missouri, where Republican leaders are pursuing aggressive redistricting strategies in advance of the 2026 midterm elections. Mid-decade redistricting efforts are historically rare, but they are increasingly being used as a strategic tool in the ongoing struggle for control of Congress.
Democratic leaders are also exploring ways to respond. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom—widely viewed as a potential Democratic presidential contender in 2028—has proposed a countermeasure that would allow the state legislature to temporarily bypass California’s independent redistricting commission. Under a ballot measure scheduled for a statewide vote in November, lawmakers could draw five additional districts that are likely to favor Democratic candidates.
Republican leaders in North Carolina have openly acknowledged the political stakes involved. State Sen. Ralph Hise, who is overseeing the redistricting effort, described the objective in direct terms, stating that the goal is to create a map capable of adding another Republican seat to the state’s congressional delegation. Hise also warned that if Democrats regain control of the House, they could block key elements of Trump’s legislative agenda.
State lawmakers held their first public meeting on the proposed map Monday morning and approved the measure in the state Senate the following day. The vote took place despite strong opposition from Democratic lawmakers and protesters who gathered at the state Capitol in Raleigh.
