Redistricting Battles Rage in Some States as House Campaigns Begin

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As candidates campaign and voting gets underway in some primaries, a partisan battle to redraw U.S. House districts is still raging in several states. Final boundaries for congressional voting districts remain uncertain in Missouri, New York, Utah, and Virginia, with governors in Florida and Maryland also pushing for redistricting changes. This comes after redistricting changes have already been enacted in California, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas.

Why it matters

The redistricting battles could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. Republicans believe they could gain nine additional seats in states where they have redrawn congressional districts, while Democrats think they could gain six seats elsewhere due to redistricting. However, the actual outcomes will depend on voter turnout and preferences in the November midterm elections.

The details

The redistricting battles are playing out in several key states. In Virginia, a proposed new House map could help Democrats win up to four additional seats, but a state judge has temporarily blocked a referendum on the issue. In Maryland, the Democratic-led state House passed a redistricting plan that could help Democrats win an additional seat, but the Democratic state Senate president has expressed concerns. In Missouri, a revised House map signed into law by the Republican governor could help the GOP win an additional seat, but opponents have submitted petition signatures to try to force a statewide referendum. In Utah, a judge imposed revised House districts that could help Democrats win a seat, but Republicans are challenging the judicial map selection. And in New York, a judge ordered a state commission to draw new boundaries for the only congressional district in New York City represented by a Republican.

• Candidates are campaigning and voting is underway in some primaries.
• Final boundaries for congressional voting districts remain uncertain in Missouri, New York, Utah and Virginia.
• Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis says he will call a special legislative session in April on congressional redistricting in Florida.
• The U.S. Supreme Court in December cleared the way for the new Texas House districts to be used in this year's elections.
• Voters in California approved revised House districts drawn by the Democratic-led Legislature in November that could help Democrats win five additional seats.

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