The redistricting battle intensifies nationwide, as Texas lawmakers push ahead with new congressional maps favoring Republicans. Democrats, in response, have fled the state to block the vote. Some Democratic legislators traveled to blue states in protest. There, they received praise from liberal governors and activists. However, criticism emerged even from within their own party.
Julian Epstein, a Democratic strategist, spoke out on Fox News Live this weekend. He admitted Democrats also engage in gerrymandering. “They don’t have the moral authority,” Epstein said. “There’s a lot of pearl-clutching going on.” According to Epstein, several blue states show clear partisan map manipulation. He pointed to Massachusetts, New Jersey, and California. These states often have zero or very few Republican House seats.
In New Jersey, Trump received 46% of the vote in 2024. Still, Republicans hold only 3 of 12 congressional seats there. “Democrats have effectively gerrymandered Republicans out of existence,” Epstein added. Furthermore, Republican state Rep. Brian Harrison echoed that view. In his words, Democrats’ outrage was nothing more than “faux” and “hypocritical.” According to Harrison, Democrat-led states have, for years, redrawn maps specifically to silence GOP voters.
For example, he pointed out that “Massachusetts, Vermont, and Delaware all have zero Republican voices in Congress.” Additionally, he noted, “Many others only allow one.” Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom weighed in with a bold plan. He announced emergency measures to offset the Texas redistricting map. “We will nullify what happens in Texas,” Newsom said Friday.
Newsom promised a special election in November. He claimed California would add five seats to its blue delegation. He also stressed the importance of public consent. “We’re doing it transparently and temporarily,” he said. Harrison, however, defended Texas’s efforts. He explained that strong population growth required new district lines. The state added millions of residents since the last census.
As the redistricting battle intensifies, both sides accuse each other of power grabs. While Democrats blast Texas, their own states face questions about fairness. Critics warn this escalating fight could erode trust in democracy itself. This political conflict shows no signs of slowing. With upcoming elections, both parties are fighting hard for control of Congress.
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