North Carolina’s legislature approved a new congressional map expected to add another Republican seat, part of a broader mid-decade redistricting push encouraged by former President Donald Trump. The plan builds on existing GOP advantages from 2023 and cannot be vetoed by Democratic Governor Josh Stein, though legal challenges are likely.

The move follows similar actions in Texas and Missouri, where Republican leaders have sought to redraw lines before the next census to maintain or expand control of the U.S. House. Critics denounce these efforts as gerrymandering, while supporters claim they address population shifts and legal compliance. Democrats in states like Illinois and Maryland have faced similar accusations, demonstrating that both parties manipulate maps when able.

In response, California Democrats are promoting Proposition 50 to authorize temporary map changes that could endanger several Republican-held seats. With the GOP controlling more state legislatures, these redistricting battles could determine control of Congress in 2026, underscoring how partisan mapmaking continues to shape the U.S. political landscape.