NewsCBS News PoliticsApril 23, 2026United States
States Redraw Congressional Maps Ahead of 2026 Midterms
Several states are undergoing mid-decade redistricting to redraw congressional district boundaries, a move aimed at influencing the 2026 midterm election outcomes. While both major political parties are pursuing these changes to favor their candidates, the efforts have faced legal challenges, voter referendums, and intense political pressure.
Read the full story at CBS News PoliticsWhy It Matters
These map changes directly alter which voters are grouped into specific congressional districts, potentially shifting the partisan balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 2026 election cycle.
Key Facts
- Texas, California, Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia, and Utah have initiated mid-decade redistricting efforts.
- The U.S. Supreme Court restored Texas's redistricting map after a lower court blocked it due to concerns that race predominated over partisanship.
- California voters approved a Democratic-led redistricting plan in November by a 29-point margin.
- Virginia approved a new map that could potentially shift up to four seats toward the Democratic party.
- Indiana state Senate Republicans rejected a redistricting measure on Dec. 11 in a 31-19 vote, despite holding a 40-10 majority.
- A Utah judge ordered the state to create a Democratic-leaning district in Salt Lake City, ruling the previous map violated anti-gerrymandering laws.
- Maryland's redistricting bill failed after the state Senate left it in committee at the end of the legislative session.
- Missouri lawmakers redrew maps in September to target the district held by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.
- North Carolina Republicans redrew the 1st Congressional District in October to favor conservative outcomes.
- Texas's new maps significantly alter the partisan composition of districts held by Rep. Al Green and Rep. Julie Johnson.
Who's Mentioned
personEmanuel Cleaver“Democratic Representative from Missouri whose district was targeted for redrawin”personGreg Abbott“Governor of Texas who signed legislation to redraw state districts.”personWes Moore“Governor of Maryland who proposed a redistricting plan that failed.”organizationBrennan Center for Justice“r heads," said Kareem Crayton, vice president of the Washington, D.C.-based the ”personDonald Trump“Former President who encouraged Republican-led states to increase GOP-friendly d”personGavin Newsom“Governor of California who launched an effort to redraw state maps.”organizationU.S. Supreme Court“Court that restored Texas's redistricting map after a lower court blocked it.”organizationBrennan Center for Justice“Research organization providing analysis on redistricting trends.”