The state redistricting battle

 Federalist Wire:

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In a stand against uneven electoral practices, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott has signaled his readiness to push back if California Governor Gavin Newsom attempts to redraw districts in a way that disadvantages GOP representatives. This comes as Republicans across the nation advocate for equitable redistricting processes that ensure every vote counts without partisan favoritism.

During an interview on CNN with host Jake Tapper, Abbott addressed Newsom’s warnings about reopening California’s maps in response to Texas’s proposed changes. The Texas plan aims to adjust boundaries in line with population shifts, potentially strengthening Republican representation by up to five seats in the U.S. House.

“Well, to be clear, listen, all those big blue states, they’ve already gerrymandered. Look at the map of Illinois. Look at the map of California, New York and Massachusetts and so many other blue states,” Abbott said. “They gerrymandered a long time ago.”

“They got nothing left with regard to what they can do,” Abbott added. “And know this: If California tries to gerrymander five more districts, listen, Texas has the ability to eliminate 10 Democrats in our state. We can play that game more than they can because they have fewer Republican districts in their states.”

Texas Democrats have taken extreme measures to block this initiative, with lawmakers fleeing to states under Democratic control such as New York and Illinois. Their goal was to prevent a special legislative session focused on these adjustments, highlighting the high stakes in maintaining balanced representation.

Following the 2024 elections, California’s congressional delegation stands at 43 Democrats and just nine Republicans, a shift from the 40 Democrats and 12 Republicans after the 2022 midterms. In New York, officials redrew congressional districts after the 2022 midterms, putting at risk up to six of the 11 Republicans who had won seats. By the end of the 2024 cycle, Democrats held 19 seats compared to seven for Republicans, marking a net gain of three seats after a special election triggered by the expulsion of former Republican Representative George Santos.

Illinois provides another clear case, where Democrats redrew maps before the 2022 midterms to eliminate two Republican incumbents, including vocal Trump critic Adam Kinzinger. The state, which lost one seat due to the 2020 census, moved from 13 Democrats and five Republicans to 14 Democrats and three Republicans in the House.

These examples align with a pattern where Democratic-led states have long crafted district lines to secure overwhelming advantages. Historical analysis shows that in Illinois, Democratic gerrymandering has distorted representation for decades, with maps designed to concentrate Republican voters into fewer districts while spreading Democratic support for maximum gains. This tactic has allowed Democrats to hold disproportionate power despite competitive statewide voting.
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States that discriminate against Republicans are worse off for their efforts.  California is shrinking in population, and Illinois is not much better. New York is also shrinking in population, with many of its former residents now in Florida or Texas.

See also:

Greg Abbott Ends Gavin Newsom and Fleeing Texas Democrats with Hilarious, Brutal Message