Democrats demand repercussions for Republican district redrawing measures
In the run-up to the 2022 midterm elections, Democrats are gearing up to challenge Republican redistricting efforts across several states. The primary strategy involves legal challenges, political organising in targeted districts, and pursuing reforms in states under Democratic control.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has been vocal about his support for a nonpartisan redistricting commission in his state, aiming to counterbalance Republicans' efforts. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom and the Democratic-controlled legislature are planning to redraw the state's legislative map, but they would need to repeal or challenge a voter-approved measure that established an independent redistricting commission.
In Texas, Republicans are redrawing the House map at the behest of President Donald Trump, with the aim of creating up to five new seats that the Republican Party could win. Democrats are focusing on defending vulnerable incumbents such as Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez in South Texas, the few remaining districts competitive for Democrats.
The commission model for redistricting limits parties' ability to manipulate the system, making districts more competitive. However, Democrats face a disadvantage due to Republicans controlling many state legislatures where maps are drawn. To counter this, Democrats are exploring tactics such as amending state constitutions to allow mid-decade redistricting, adjusting election law timelines to their advantage, and pushing for reforms such as independent redistricting commissions.
In states like New Mexico and Illinois, Democrats have already adjusted the maps to control the number of House seats. In New York, the state constitution prohibits another map being drawn this decade, with a change not possible until at least 2027, and only with voter approval.
Some Democratic leaders are reevaluating their support for a nonpartisan approach to redistricting. For instance, Senator Chris Murphy, another potential 2028 contender, expressed that Republicans "are playing outside the box right now, and we can't stay inside the box." Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, another potential presidential candidate, tweeted against unilateral disarmament until both sides follow the law regarding redistricting.
In states like Maryland and Colorado, where Democrats hold a majority of congressional seats, independent commissions, not the state legislature, handle redistricting. This approach aims to ensure fairness and prevent partisan manipulation.
Democrats are also focusing on mobilising voters in key districts. Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal stated that Democrats shouldn't stoop to Republicans' tactics in redistricting. Instead, they should rely on grassroots organising and voter turnout to counteract any potential gerrymandering.
Overall, Democrats are combining legal challenges to alleged racial gerrymandering, targeted defense of vulnerable districts, and strategic pushes for reforms in states they control to counter Republican efforts to use redistricting for electoral advantage in the 2022 (and subsequent) midterm elections. Whether this strategy will be enough to prevent Democrats from regaining the majority next year in the House of Representatives remains to be seen.
- As Democrats grapple with Republican redistricting efforts in multiple states ahead of the 2022 midterms, they are exploring unconventional strategies to counteract this advantage, including amending state constitutions for mid-decade redistricting and pushing for independent redistricting commissions in states like Maryland and Colorado.
- Amidst the ongoing discussions about redistricting policy and legislation, some Democratic leaders, such as Senators Chris Murphy and Ruben Gallego, have voiced concerns about adhering strictly to a nonpartisan approach when it comes to gerrymandering, with Murphy expressing that Republicans' tactics could warrant a reciprocal response.
