The Democrats are playing with fire. They have no idea the crisis they are creating.
Because Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared war on Democrats in a eyebrow-raising CNN interview.
Republicans Champion Fair Redistricting to Counter Longstanding Democratic Map Manipulation
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.
Similarly, in New York, Democratic efforts to manipulate maps have intensified in recent cycles, though court interventions have occasionally curbed the most aggressive plans. The state’s history includes attempts to redraw lines mid-decade, benefiting Democrats by diluting Republican strongholds in suburban and upstate areas.
California’s situation, often cited by critics like Abbott, involves maps that have favored Democrats through strategic boundary setting, even as the state employs a commission process. Over the years, this has resulted in lopsided delegations that underrepresent Republican voters in a diverse populace.
Expanding beyond these states, Maryland stands out as a prime instance of Democratic map-rigging. For multiple cycles, Democrats have drawn districts to achieve a near-monopoly, often resulting in a 7-1 split in favor of their party despite Republicans garnering around 40% of the statewide vote. This practice dates back to the early 2000s, entrenching Democratic control.
Massachusetts follows suit, with Democratic gerrymandering creating uniformly safe seats for the party. All nine congressional districts lean heavily Democratic, a configuration maintained through careful line-drawing that packs opposition voters inefficiently. Such maps have persisted for years, limiting Republican breakthroughs.
Other blue states like Oregon and Nevada exhibit similar trends, where Democrats have benefited from gerrymandered districts that amplify their majorities beyond what vote shares would naturally yield. Reports indicate these advantages have compounded over time, giving Democrats an edge in national House control.
