Republicans redraw US congressional districts in Texas, California and Florida

Republican leaders in Texas, the nation’s most populous state, and in Florida have approved new congressional maps that aim to flip five Democratic seats in Texas and four in Florida. Democratic‑controlled California responded with its own redistricting plan to preserve its advantage. So far, Republican‑drawn maps across five states add a net gain of 13 House seats, while Democratic maps in three states add a net gain of 10 seats, though some maps could still be challenged in court.

The Supreme Court’s April 29 decision that struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act eases legal hurdles for partisan redistricting, prompting expectations that more states will redraw maps before the November 2024 mid‑term elections. With the House expected to be decided by a margin of just three seats, each new district could prove decisive. An Ipsos/Reuters poll found 75% of Americans say race should not be a factor in drawing districts, yet about half believe communities sharing racial characteristics should stay together.