This month, Missouri Republicans are pushing ahead with plans to redraw congressional lines, aiming to gain an additional seat before the 2026 elections. This move positions Missouri as the third state to consider new congressional maps ahead of the midterms.
Lawmakers in Missouri have been called to several special sessions by Governor Mike Kehoe (R) to discuss these changes. This unusual step comes amid a broader push from the White House to revise congressional boundaries across various states.
In contrast, Democrats are responding to these proposals, looking to counteract potential Republican advantages in the near term.
Let’s explore the states expected to revise their congressional maps.
Ohio
In Ohio, the State Assembly is under pressure to submit new district maps by the end of the month. The previous maps, used during the 2022 elections, failed to gain enough bipartisan support.
Initially, Ohio was the only state anticipated to make these changes this year. However, the White House’s encouragement for other GOP-led states to reconsider their maps has shifted the landscape. Republicans are hoping to complicate re-election efforts for officials like Emilia Sykes (D).
If lawmakers can’t achieve bipartisan consensus on the map by the end of the month, the process will shift to Ohio’s Constituency Commission. If that committee doesn’t approve the proposed House map by the end of October, the responsibility returns to the state legislature.
The new map will remain in effect for either four or ten years, depending on the level of bipartisan support it garners at the Capitol. Lawmakers need to finalize it by the end of November.
Indiana
Indiana Republicans are contemplating a redistricting move to bolster their Congressional representation, as they face increased pressure from the White House for action.
Vice President Vance visited Indiana last month to discuss the issue with prominent GOP figures. During his visit to the White House, Indiana lawmakers were again pressed on the topic.
Governor Mike Brown (R) has yet to call any special sessions, awaiting input from House and Senate leaders. Initially, there was some resistance to changing the map among certain lawmakers, but some have since softened their stance. Still, redistricting creates risks for lawmakers in adjacent districts.
Maryland
In Maryland, Democrats are exploring the potential to redraw state maps as part of a long-term strategy to secure another seat.
Governor Wesmoor stated last month that “when all options are on the table, everything is on the table,” indicating flexibility in negotiations.
House Majority Leader David Moon (D) introduced legislation allowing a rezoning effort if another state passes a new council map first. Similarly, Senator Clarence Ram (D) presented laws aimed at redrawing the state legislature’s boundaries to give Democrats a better shot at gaining seats. If neighboring states proceed with redistricting, Maryland would also need to enlist an independent committee.
Meanwhile, the state’s Democratic House delegation recently discussed potential redistricting, but they seemed unprepared to advance any further efforts.
Currently, the only seat in play appears to be Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) from the Eastern Shore.
After the 2020 Census, Democrats had attempted to establish an 8-0 map, but failed due to partisan gerrymandering issues, complicating their chances of reclaiming seats in future elections.
Florida
Florida Republicans are also considering potential map revisions, with Governor Ron DeSantis (R) deeming it “appropriate” during this election cycle.
A newly formed panel is set to meet next month, although it’s uncertain whether a similar group will emerge in the state Senate.
Several Democratic incumbents in the state, particularly around Orlando, Tampa, and South Florida, are likely to be affected by these changes.
Illinois
Illinois Democratic leaders have not completely dismissed the idea of redrawing state maps, although there has been little recent movement on the issue.
Currently, Democrats hold a 14-3 advantage in House representation, having previously maneuvered district boundaries heavily in their favor after the last Census.
Following a decline in the state’s congressional delegation to 17 House seats post-Census, the Democrats managed to shift the balance from a 13-5 to a 14-3 advantage after their recent midterm map passed.
Nebraska
In Nebraska, Rep. Don Bacon’s (R) decision to retire from the Swinsy Second Congressional District has sparked discussions about redistricting to maintain Republican representation.
Some Republican lawmakers have indicated a willingness to consider new boundaries, though there are doubts about whether the necessary votes exist to push through changes amid potential filibuster challenges.
Recent visits by Nebraska lawmakers to the White House raised speculation about possible national discussions around redistricting, though this topic wasn’t significantly developed at that time.
Kansas
In Kansas, Republicans are pondering the possibility of rezoning as a way to weaken the position of Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kansas) in the Third Congressional District.
Previous attempts to redraw this district before the 2022 elections encountered obstacles, such as a veto from Governor Laura Kelly (D) and legal challenges. However, Republicans maintain a majority within the state legislature.
