Democratic leaders in Illinois and Maryland are feeling pressure to act as they consider potential White House bids in 2028, while Republicans in other states are reshaping their Congressional districts.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore mentioned that all options for redistricting are on the table, whereas Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed reluctance to engage in partisan district changes. However, Democrats are brainstorming ways to respond if redistricting efforts spread to other Republican-led states.
Comments indicate that the rezoning battle is expanding nationally, with potential Democratic presidential candidates reacting to similar gerrymandering initiatives in places like California, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, and Texas.
“We can envision Pritzker and Wes Moore garnering attention like Newsom has,” noted Dan Kaninen, a Democratic strategist involved in Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.
On Wednesday, a Missouri general assembly, under GOP control, gathered to discuss redistricting after Governor Mike Kehoe called for a special session on the issue. This follows Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s signing of a new council map law that could secure five additional seats next year.
A recent Morning Consult survey revealed that Newsom’s support among Democrats and Democratic independents surged by 19% in late August. Pritzker secured 3% support, while Moore garnered only 1% in the same poll.
Moore and Pritzker acknowledge that Republicans in other states might pursue redistricting, especially if they continue their efforts.
“What’s happening in Texas, and spreading to Missouri and other Republican-led states, is essentially a power move by Donald Trump,” stated Moore’s spokesperson, David Turner.
Last week, Maryland Senator Clarence Lamb proposed redrawing the state’s legislative map, viewing it as a “warning shot” to Republicans.
Pritzker also suggested that Democrats should contemplate redistricting only as a response to Republican strategies.
“That’s not really my preference, nor the preference of any of us,” Pritzker told CBS News. “But if Trump is pushing to manipulate the scenario nationwide, then we need to consider how to counter it effectively.”
After months of regrouping since Trump’s election win, Democrats are rallying around redistricting as a common cause. Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin mentioned that the party is preparing to combat GOP initiatives and “fight fire with fire.”
Recent polls indicate that while voters generally distrust gerrymandering, they may be more open to state-level efforts amid this ongoing redistricting arms race.
A YouGov poll released last week showed that Democratic support for entering the redistricting fray rose notably, from 40% to 53%, indicating an increased inclination to redraw districts in response.
“It was an early skirmish where Democrats found their footing,” Kaninen remarked.
Moore and Pritzker also face the unique challenge posed by Trump’s threats to deploy federal troops to cities like Chicago and Baltimore.
This political struggle coupled with Trump’s military posturing allows both governors to position themselves as alternatives to Trump.
“If you’re aiming for the Democratic presidential nomination, standing up to this president is crucial,” said Democratic strategist Mike Nellis.
Navigating relationships with the federal government can be delicate for governors, something Newsom understands well. Earlier, he took a friendlier approach to engage Trump for federal resources to address devastating wildfires in Southern California. Their interactions highlighted a cooperative tone, which had its roots in past federal assistance during the pandemic.
“Governors need federal support at times, and that can easily be overlooked,” Neris observed, adding that Newsom may need to remain cooperative with Trump in the future.
However, Newsom has faced criticism from those questioning his political motivations and quest for a national identity.
Strategists caution that elected officials must prioritize their responsibilities to constituents over their political ambitions.
Pursuing the presidency could be seen as a distraction, Neris remarked, calling the aspiration “junk.”
While Moore and Pritzker might consider mirroring Newsom’s approach, strategists have indicated that this may not be sustainable long-term.
“Both are finding ways to safeguard their constituents, their districts, and their authenticity,” Kaninen stated. “If Newsom is perceived as leading this fight, they’ll likely adapt around that.”
