Redistricting Fights in Texas, California Spark Shifts in Gerrymandering Stance

Strategic Insights -

As the US politics landscape continues to shift, longstanding opponents of gerrymandering are reconsidering their positions in response to the moves of President Trump and other states. The redistricting fights unfolding in Texas, California, and other states have sparked a reevaluation of partisan gerrymandering, with some groups softening their stance and advocating for proportional representation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Common Cause, a long-time opponent of gerrymandering, has softened its stance in recent weeks and will not condemn certain gerrymandered maps.
  • The group's senior vice president of policy, Omar Noureldin, cited the need to "meet this current moment" due to "abnormal times" under the Trump administration.
  • President Trump has been vocal about his support for new congressional maps that could help preserve Republican control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, has led a counter-push for a ballot measure in November to create a new gerrymandered map that could help Democrats pick up five House seats.
  • The Supreme Court's 2019 ruling that partisan gerrymandering is not reviewable by federal courts has contributed to the ongoing redistricting fights.
  • Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, has urged states not to harm racial and ethnic minorities, younger voters, and agricultural communities.

Statistics:

  • 5 seats: President Trump's claim that Texas could pick up additional seats to help preserve Republican control of the House.
  • 5 seats: California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom's, proposal to create a new gerrymandered map that could help Democrats pick up five House seats.
  • 2019: The year the Supreme Court ruled that partisan gerrymandering is not reviewable by federal courts, contributing to the ongoing redistricting fights.

Sources:

  • NPR News, Hansi Lo Wang, "Redistricting Fights Spark Shifts in Gerrymandering Stance"
  • CNBC, various archived recordings of President Trump and Governor Gavin Newsom's speeches.
  • Supreme Court, "Rucho v. Common Cause" (2019)
  • League of Women Voters, Celina Stewart, quote and interview.