(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump’s push for Republican-led states to redraw their congressional maps has sparked a gerrymandering frenzy across the country that’s spreading to both parties ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The fight has become a full-blown national battle over who controls the U.S. House next year.
In Virginia, Democrats recently unveiled a proposal that would allow the state to reopen its congressional maps mid-decade if other states do the same.
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The move follows Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s decision to call a special legislative session to redraw his state’s map after a week of pressure from Trump.
“There are many in our state that want to do it. We’re at a point where we’re going to discuss it publicly,” Braun said. “Their own party has gerrymandered in so many places they can’t do any more of it. This is about leveling the playing field.”
However, not everyone is on board. Efforts to redraw Maryland’s map in Democrats’ favor have received pushback from within the party.
In a three-page letter Tuesday, Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson warned that “the legal risks are too high,” adding “the downside risk to democrats is catastrophic.”
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The gerrymandering push has exposed deep divides within both parties.
Some Republicans in Kansas and Indiana have also opposed mid-decade redistricting attempts, warning the move could ultimately backfire politically.
Analysts have said the impact could be significant, with roughly a dozen House seats potentially in play, enough to flip control of the chamber.
Next week’s redistricting votes in California and ongoing court battles in Texas could further reshape the political map. This high-risk chess match may determine the balance of power in Washington just a year before the midterms.
