California became the fifth state to redraw its congressional districts ahead of the 2026 elections after voters approved Proposition 50 on Nov. 4. The new map makes five districts more favorable to Democrats according to 2024 presidential results. That could lower the net gains from redistricting in Republican-led states from nine districts to four nationwide.
Mid-decade redistricting in California required a constitutional amendment because a 2010 amendment had transferred the task of congressional redistricting to the California Citizens Redistricting Commission. Proposition 50 provided that the new map, drawn by the California Legislature in August, would take effect for the 2026 elections and through 2030. The redistricting commission will draw a new map in 2031.
California’s new map was a response to redistricting in Texas, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) stating in July, “We have got to fight fire with fire.” Texas became the first state to enact new congressional district boundaries ahead of the 2026 elections on Aug. 29. That map shifts five Democratic districts toward Republicans according to 2024 presidential election results.
Since then, three other Republican-led states have enacted new congressional maps—two voluntarily and one due to a constitutional requirement. On Sept. 28, Missouri enacted a new congressional map that aims to net one Republican district by drawing parts of Kansas City into surrounding rural areas. North Carolina enacted a new map on Oct. 22 that makes the 1st District, currently represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Davis, more favorable to Republicans. According to Inside Elections, President Donald Trump (R) would have won the district by 12 points in 2024.
Ohio was the only state required by law to redistrict, because the commission’s 2022 map did not have bipartisan support. On Oct. 31, 2025, the Ohio Redistricting Commission approved a new map that, according to data from the commission based on recent statewide election results, could make two districts more competitive for Republicans.
Altogether, Republicans could net four districts nationwide as a result of mid-decade redistricting. As of Nov. 5, 2025, Republicans had a 219-213 majority in the U.S. House with three vacancies.
Status of mid-decade congressional redistricting nationwide
Five states—three Republican-led and two Democratic-led—are still considering redistricting before the midterm elections. A new Utah map, drawn by court order, awaits District Judge Dianna Gibson’s consideration. She is expected to issue a ruling by Nov. 10.
The Florida Legislature formed a special redistricting committee that has not yet met. Indiana lawmakers will consider redistricting, in response to Gov. Mike Braun’s (R) call for a special session, during the first two weeks of December. Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins (R) announced the House did not gather enough votes to call a special session, but the Legislature could still take up redistricting at the start of its regular session in January.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced the creation of a redistricting advisory commission on November 4, 2025, that would propose a new congressional map ahead of the 2026 elections. Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson (D) had previously told the chamber's Democrats that "the Senate is choosing not to move forward with mid-cycle redistricting."
In October, the Virginia General Assembly approved a constitutional amendment that would allow the state to redraw its congressional lines. The amendment must pass the General Assembly again after new officeholders are sworn in before being placed on the ballot for voters to decide.
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