What's happened
Amid national efforts to redraw congressional districts ahead of 2026 midterms, Indiana and Kansas face internal resistance to passing new GOP-favored maps. Meanwhile, legal battles in New York challenge district boundaries, highlighting the complex, politically charged redistricting process across the U.S. today.
What's behind the headline?
The current redistricting efforts reveal a deep partisan divide. In states like Indiana, Republican leaders are reluctant to convene a special session for new maps, citing costs and political risks, despite White House pressure. This hesitancy underscores the limits of federal influence over state-level redistricting, especially in states with strong Republican majorities. Conversely, states like Texas and California are actively redrawing districts, illustrating a broader national contest over control of the House. The legal challenge in New York exemplifies how courts are becoming battlegrounds for partisan disputes, with Democrats seeking to redraw districts to favor their chances in 2026. The outcome of these efforts will significantly influence the political landscape, potentially shifting power in Congress. The resistance in Indiana and Kansas suggests that the push for partisan gerrymandering faces substantial obstacles, and the courts may play a decisive role in shaping the final maps. Overall, the next few months will determine whether the GOP can secure a favorable map in key states or if legal and political resistance will hinder their efforts, impacting the balance of power in the upcoming midterms.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that Indiana lawmakers are hesitant to pass new maps, with some citing costs and political risks, despite White House efforts to push for redistricting. The AP highlights that states like Kansas and Indiana are facing internal resistance, with lawmakers unsure if they have enough votes. Meanwhile, the lawsuit in New York, also covered by AP, challenges district boundaries on demographic grounds, illustrating the legal battleground over gerrymandering. These articles collectively show a complex landscape where political, legal, and procedural factors intertwine, shaping the future of congressional districts ahead of 2026.
How we got here
Redistricting occurs every decade after the census to reflect population changes. President Trump has pushed for GOP-favored maps to secure control of the House in 2026. While some states like Texas and California are moving quickly, others like Indiana and Kansas are hesitant due to political disagreements and legal uncertainties. The process is often contentious, with courts potentially challenging new boundaries, especially when partisan interests are involved.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Are States Like Indiana and Kansas Struggling with Redistricting?
Redistricting is a crucial process that shapes the political landscape ahead of elections. While some states move quickly to redraw districts, others like Indiana and Kansas face significant hurdles. Understanding why these states are struggling reveals the complex mix of political resistance, legal challenges, and procedural delays that can impact the upcoming 2026 midterms. Below, we explore the key questions about these redistricting battles and their broader implications.
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Redistricting in the US: How Will It Shape 2026 Elections?
Redistricting is a crucial process that can significantly influence the outcome of upcoming elections. As states redraw their congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterms, many are facing legal battles, political resistance, and controversy. Curious about what’s happening and how it might affect the balance of power? Below, we answer some of the most common questions about redistricting in the US today.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Indiana is a U.S. state in the Midwestern and Great Lakes regions of North America. It is the 38th-largest by area and the 17th-most populous of the 50 United States. Its capital and largest city is Indianapolis. Indiana was admitted to the United States