Democrats and Republicans Prepare Redistricting Battles for 2028 Cycle
Democratic and Republican leaders are weighing new congressional maps across several states following a wave election that shifted House seat control.
Congressional redistricting battles are expected to persist into the 2028 election cycle after a wave election saw Democrats flip several House seats. House Republicans previously redrew maps in seven states to mitigate losses, but the strategy largely failed as the GOP lost seats in Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Alabama.
In response, Democratic leaders in Maryland and Wisconsin are pursuing new maps. Wisconsin Governor-elect David Crowley pledged to sign a redistricting bill if passed by the new Democratic trifecta, while Maryland voters approved an amendment to allow new boundaries. Conversely, redistricting appears unlikely in Georgia and New Jersey, where governors Brian Kemp and Mikie Sherrill have declined to move forward with map changes.
In New York, Democrats are re-evaluating a legislative push to redraw maps before 2028. While the effort was originally a response to redistricting plans backed by President Donald Trump, recent election gains have prompted party leaders to question if the push remains a priority. Assemblymember Charles Lavine noted the matter will be subject to serious discussion within the Assembly Democratic conference.
While Democrats may propose federal legislation to ban partisan gerrymandering with their new majorities in Washington, the National Democratic Redistricting Committee warns that Democratic-led states must remain prepared to respond to GOP efforts. Republicans in Mississippi, South Carolina, and Indiana may also seek new maps for 2028.
