By — David A. Lieb, Associated Press David A. Lieb, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-backed-redistricting-sought-a-midterm-edge-for-republicans-it-didnt-work Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Trump-backed redistricting sought a midterm edge for Republicans. It didn't work Politics Nov 4, 2026 3:00 PM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — At the urging of President Donald Trump, Republicans in eight states redrew the boundaries of dozens of congressional districts over the past year while angling for an edge that could help them hold onto a slim House majority in a tough midterm election. Ultimately, it didn't work. READ MORE: The U.S. political map? Anyone's guess after Democratic wave Republicans lost most of the Democratic-held seats they had targeted to flip, lost others they had banked on retaining and got swept out of power by a Democratic surge fueled by voter dissatisfaction with Trump, the economy and the war with Iran. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here.…
Trump-backed redistricting sought a midterm edge for Republicans. It didn't work
In short
At Donald Trump's urging, Republicans in eight states redrew dozens of congressional boundaries over the past year to protect their narrow U.S. House majority. Instead, roughly 6 in 10 voters disapproved of Trump's handling of the presidency in the AP Voter Poll, eroding expected advantages in key regions. The strategy faltered in states like Alabama, Florida, and Texas, while retaliatory Democratic redistricting in California successfully flipped seats. In Texas's Rio Grande Valley, Democrats defended existing seats and flipped Republican Representative Monica De La Cruz's seat to Bobby Pulido.
Key points
- Map redrawing efforts relied on assumptions of strong Trump support that ultimately erode…: Map redrawing efforts relied on assumptions of strong Trump support that ultimately eroded amid broader national discontent.
- Countermeasures by Democrats, including retaliatory redistricting in California and legal…: Countermeasures by Democrats, including retaliatory redistricting in California and legal battles in Missouri, blunted the Republican initiative.
- Declining Republican support among Hispanic voters prevented targeted Democratic defeats…: Declining Republican support among Hispanic voters prevented targeted Democratic defeats in Texas's Rio Grande Valley.