Redistricting Update
February 24, 2026
Last summer, GOP states across the country began a flurry of redistricting at the direction of President Trump to try and shore up GOP seats ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Texas went first, passing its maps last August and netting five seats for the Republicans in the process.
- California followed suit netting five seats for Democrats.
- Other states that have enacted redistricted plans since then are listed below.
By the numbers: The states listed above have new maps confirmed or are on track to enact new maps prior to the 2026 midterms. If these maps hold, the net gain of all redistricting efforts will be a one seat gain for the GOP, assuming similar voting patterns.
- However, the maps for Virginia and Missouri are still pending, and the projected delegation for those states could end up falling short of legislators best hopes.
- In Virginia, Governor Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) signed new map boundaries into law last week, that could net the Democrats up to four additional seats. However, the proposed map needs to go before voters for approval on April 21.
- This date is being challenged by Republicans who argue the map unfairly favors Democrats and that the process is being rushed. A recent Virginia Supreme Court decision overturned a lower court judge’s action that blocked the referendum.
- In Missouri, Governor Mike Kehoe (R-MO) signed the new map into law last October, which would give the GOP another seat. Recently, a repeal referendum reached 300,000 signatures, which would subject the new map to voter approval on the 2026 ballot, and not enact it until the subsequent election if approved.
- It remains to be seen if this new map will remain in effect for the 2026 midterms, as the signatures for the referendum are under review.
- Proponents of the referendum have filed a lawsuit arguing the maps should be paused now that the signature threshold has been reached and should not take effect until the referendum is voted on in the Nov. 2026 general election. These signatures must be certified by July 2026.
In addition to the states mentioned above, Florida, Maryland and New York are also considering redistricting plans.
- If the most extreme maps in all states are enacted, New York and Maryland together could add 2 seats for the Democrats, while Florida could gain 3-5 seats for the GOP.
- Yes, but: These maps are far from finished and face opposition from within their own state legislatures. With filing deadlines and primaries just months away, if any other states want to change their maps in time to make an impact, they will have to act quickly.
Contact James Montfort (jmontfort@crefc.org) with any questions.