The Redistricting War Has Just Begun

The redistricting war of 2026, which had appeared to conclude in a stalemate between Democrats and Republicans after Florida’s special session, is anyone’s to win.

In the wake of the Louisiana v. Callais ruling, Republicans in the South are on the move, ready to redraw maps the courts had previously blocked efforts to change.

The outcome of the renewed tit-for-tat redistricting war could determine which party controls the House of Representatives in 2026.

The Southern Scramble

Republican Gov. Jeff Landry of Louisiana has already signed an executive order calling off the state’s May 16 House primaries to allow for redrawing the state’s map, declared a racial gerrymander by the high court.

Louisiana has two Democrat-held districts, held by Reps. Troy Carter and Cleo Fields.

Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee has also called a special session to redistrict after the ruling. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn. is the only Democrat U.S. House member from the Volunteer State.

In South Carolina, where Rep. Jim Clyburn holds the only Democrat seat, Gov. Henry McMaster has proposed a new redistricting session.

Meanwhile, in Alabama, which has two Democrats Reps.—Shomari Figures and Terri Sewell—Gov. Kay Ivey has called a special session for redistricting, despite an injunction preventing the state from mid-decade districting. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is challenging the injunction.

In Georgia, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has ruled out redistricting before the 2026 midterms, but not for 2028. Mississippi’s House primaries have already happened, but the state will soon have a session which could include the redistricting of federal House districts.

Democrats’ Response

Democrats appear ready to respond to potential pro-Republican redistricting after Louisiana v. Callais.

State-level Democrat politicians, as well as the party’s voting base, have displayed discipline in backing retaliatory redistricting. The passing of Virginia’s redistricting referendum being a prime example.

On the day of the high court’s ruling, Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., said she was “working with the Legislature to change New York’s redistricting process so we can fight back.”

In keeping with its constitution, New York relies on an independent commission that maps out its districts. 

The Empire State’s House delegation has 19 Democrats and seven Republicans.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said in a recent interview with Politico that Democrats “will be prepared to respond in states like New York, Illinois and Maryland, as well as in Colorado, in advance of the 2028 election” in order to maximize their seats.