A nationwide redistricting battle is unfolding as Republican-led legislatures, encouraged by former President Donald Trump, work to expand GOP-leaning congressional districts. In North Carolina, lawmakers are advancing a new map projected to give Republicans an edge in 11 of 14 House seats, joining similar efforts in states like Texas and Missouri. Despite Democratic protests, the proposal has cleared the state Senate, and Governor Josh Stein lacks the power to veto redistricting plans.

Republican officials argue the maps align with voter preferences and reflect Trump’s electoral success, while Democrats denounce them as partisan maneuvers. In contrast, California Governor Gavin Newsom is promoting a ballot initiative that would let the legislature temporarily bypass the state’s independent redistricting commission to add five Democrat-leaning districts, aiming to counter GOP gains elsewhere.

Beyond these high-profile cases, redistricting debates continue in Kansas, Indiana, Ohio, and Utah. With Republicans controlling both legislative chambers and the governorship in 23 states—compared to 15 for Democrats—the GOP maintains a structural edge in shaping congressional maps nationwide, potentially securing a long-term advantage in the House of Representatives.