Democratic governors advise strong counteroffensive on redistricting

MADISON, Wisconsin — Democratic Governors Mobilize Against Republican Gerrymandering in Texas

A coalition of Democratic governors is calling on their peers to adopt a tougher stance against Republican-led attempts to gerrymander congressional districts in Texas. This plea comes amid growing concerns over the integrity of electoral boundaries as the midterm elections approach.

“Democratic governors must rise to the occasion and respond appropriately,” stated outgoing Kansas Governor Laura Kelly during a Democratic Governors Association meeting on Friday. “I’m not one to advocate for unilateral disarmament in this political battlefield.”

Kelly, who chairs the DGA, made her remarks just days after Texas Republicans unveiled a congressional map designed to carve out five districts favorable to their party ahead of the upcoming elections. With Democrats needing to flip just three seats to regain control of the House of Representatives, the stakes are notably high.

While Kelly refrained from directly mentioning California Governor Gavin Newsom, he stands out as a prime candidate for a counter-offensive redistricting strategy aimed at bolstering Democratic representation from a blue state. On Thursday, Newsom announced plans for a special election in November to seek voter approval for a new House map that would enhance Democratic numbers. This strategy, while potentially costly and risky, appears to have garnered support from his fellow Democrats, indicating a shift towards a more aggressive party posture.

The prospect of mid-decade redistricting could ignite a partisan arms race, as both parties scramble to redraw congressional maps in their favor. However, Democrats may face significant hurdles, as many blue states are constrained by independent redistricting commissions and state laws that limit their ability to swiftly alter maps. In contrast, discussions are already underway in several Republican-controlled states, including Missouri, Indiana, and Florida, that may follow Texas’ lead.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz acknowledged the legitimate fears that escalating redistricting conflicts could allow Republicans to secure even more seats. However, Walz and Kelly emphasized that “the greater danger lies in inaction.”

“We cannot simply allow this situation to unfold without intervention, hoping for judicial remedies that are far from guaranteed,” Kelly asserted. “By responding decisively, we send a clear message: we will not be passive victims in this process.”

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, who campaigned on a platform of ending partisan gerrymandering, criticized former President Trump’s calls for new maps as “un-American.” Yet, he echoed Kelly’s sentiment that Democrats must act decisively, stating that when “facing dire circumstances, one must take necessary steps to counteract the threat.”

With Evers recently announcing he will not seek re-election, the race to succeed him has become a focal point in one of the nation’s most politically polarized states.

At the DGA press conference, Kelly, Walz, Evers, alongside other governors like Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Daniel McKee of Rhode Island, united in their condemnation of Trump’s ambitious legislative proposals.

Reporting contributed by Andrew Howard.