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Redistricting Cuts Competitive House Seats, Polarizes Congress

2/22/2026

29 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Redistricting, driven by efforts initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, has sharply reduced competitive House seats, with 18 of 435 races as toss-ups.
David Wasserman of the Cook Political Report notes the count fell from 48 competitive districts in Trump's first term (2017–2021) to 36.
This reduced competition may yield a less accountable, more polarized Congress, because primary voters often do not reflect the broader electorate.

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Story summary

Redistricting, driven by efforts initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, has sharply reduced competitive House seats, with 18 of 435 races as toss-ups.
David Wasserman of the Cook Political Report notes the count fell from 48 competitive districts in Trump's first term (2017–2021) to 36.
This reduced competition may yield a less accountable, more polarized Congress, because primary voters often do not reflect the broader electorate.