Republican lawmakers in Louisiana and Democrats in Virginia pressed ahead Wednesday with plans that could allow mid-decade redistricting as part of a growing national battle for partisan advantage in next year’s congressional elections.
Louisiana lawmakers passed legislation pushing back the state’s 2026 primary elections by a month — a move that could give lawmakers extra time to redraw the state’s U.S. House districts if the Supreme Court strikes down the current boundaries.
Meanwhile, Virginia lawmakers were considering a proposed constitutional amendment that, if ultimately approved by voters, would allow lawmakers to temporarily bypass a bipartisan redistricting commission and redraw congressional districts in response to similar efforts in other states.
President Donald Trump triggered a redistricting fray this summer by calling upon Republican-led states to take the unusual step of redrawing U.S. House districts to their advantage ahead of the midterm elections. Redistricting typically occurs once a decade, immediately after a census, but Trump hopes that redistricting now can help Republicans in next year’s midterm elections hold on to the House, where Democrats need to gain just three seats to win control and impede Trump’s agenda.
Republicans in Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina already have revised districts at Trump’s urging, and Indiana is to begin a special legislative session Monday on redistricting. So far, California is the only Democratic-led state to counter with a new congressional map.
Louisiana Delays Elections for Potential Redistricting
Legislation delaying Louisiana’s congressional primary from April 18 to May 16 passed along party lines Wednesday during a special session and is expected to be signed into law by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry.
Proponents of the current map say it offers the opportunity for fair representation in a state where Black residents account for one-third of the population. Opponents argue that the state’s second Black majority congressional district was unconstitutionally gerrymandered based on race.
Democrats hold a 6-5 edge over Republicans in Virginia’s U.S. House delegation, and a new map could allow them to expand that advantage.
A recent push for mid-decade redistricting reflects broader national trends, with redistricting becoming a contentious part of the political landscape as elections approach.
