Story perspectives

Redistricting Battles Heat Up Ahead of November Midterms

4/19/2026

Center

States Redistrict for Advantage

States intensify redistricting ahead of the November midterms to gain partisan advantage.
Maryland's Democratic redistricting efforts failed.
Virginia voters will decide a Democratic redistricting plan that could add four House seats.
Florida Republicans will begin a redistricting special session on April 28.
Texas aims to bolster Republican seats and California aims to bolster Democratic seats, shaping House and leaving Democrats needing a few seats to obstruct President Donald Trump’s agenda.

Right

Mejia Claims Victory

Analilia Mejia, the Democratic candidate in New Jersey's 11th District, won with 60% of the vote, the district's largest federal margin since 2014.
The results show defections among Jewish Democrats and Mejia underperformed in Livingston and Millburn, traditional Democratic areas.
Joe Hathaway, the Republican challenger, framed himself as a moderate to appeal to Jewish voters and criticized Mejia's Israel policy.
Analysts say attacks on Mejia's Middle East policy influenced turnout.

History

Historical Context

The 2010 U.S. Census triggered significant redistricting, allowing Republicans to control the drawing of congressional maps in 18 states, impacting 210 districts. This strategic maneuvering, facilitated by the REDMAP initiative, aimed to maximize Republican power and minimize Democratic representation. The effects were evident in the 2012 elections, where Republicans retained control of the House despite Democrats winning the popular vote.

1 of 3

States Redistrict for Advantage

States intensify redistricting ahead of the November midterms to gain partisan advantage.
Maryland's Democratic redistricting efforts failed.
Virginia voters will decide a Democratic redistricting plan that could add four House seats.
Florida Republicans will begin a redistricting special session on April 28.
Texas aims to bolster Republican seats and California aims to bolster Democratic seats, shaping House and leaving Democrats needing a few seats to obstruct President Donald Trump’s agenda.

1 / 3