Two More Red States Push Back Against California’s Gerrymander Scheme
The political ripple effects of redistricting battles are spreading nationwide, as conservative-led states push back against Democrat power grabs in California.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, in open defiance of the state’s constitutional principles, is advancing yet another round of gerrymandered maps designed to cement a permanent Democratic stronghold in Washington. But two more red states—Missouri and Indiana—are preparing to counter that move and tilt the playing field back toward fairness.
Missouri Moves First
Missouri Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe announced Friday that his state will convene a special legislative session to redraw congressional maps. The proposed changes would likely shift the state’s delegation from six Republicans and two Democrats to a stronger 7–1 split in favor of the GOP.
The focus is on the Kansas City-based 5th Congressional District, long held by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. Kehoe released draft maps showing the proposed changes and confirmed lawmakers will begin work Wednesday.
President Donald Trump predicted this exact development:
“The Great State of Missouri is now IN. I’m not surprised. It is a great State with fabulous people,” Trump wrote on Truth Social last week. “I won it, all 3 times, in a landslide. We’re going to win the Midterms in Missouri again, bigger and better than ever before!”
With Republicans commanding supermajorities in both chambers of the Missouri Legislature, the plan is expected to pass smoothly if party unity holds.
Indiana Considers a 9–0 Map
Meanwhile, Indiana Republicans are weighing whether to eliminate the state’s last two Democratic congressional seats, potentially shifting from a 7–2 GOP advantage to a clean sweep of 9–0.
https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/1962507029819297937
Gov. Mike Braun has not yet taken a public position, saying he wants to hear first from legislative leaders.
“I’ve been very clear on that issue. That hasn’t changed,” Braun told reporters. “You’re going to hear individual representatives and senators speak up, and the two leaders of each caucus … are going to put a lot of thought into what their own members are wanting to do, and that process will take a while to play out.”
Braun added that he will decide on a possible special session once he gets clear direction from House Speaker Todd Huston and Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray. For now, Indiana’s next regular session begins in January, with ceremonial meetings in November.
National Stakes Rising
The pressure from Washington on Indiana Republicans continues to grow, with GOP strategists pointing to the possibility of picking up as many as 15 seats nationwide before the 2026 midterms.
Republicans in Texas already demonstrated what is possible when they secured additional seats following their 2021 redistricting battle—despite Democrats fleeing the state in an unsuccessful stunt to block the process.
California Democrats, by contrast, are charging ahead with maps designed to entrench their dominance. But Republicans in Missouri, Indiana, and other red states are determined not to let Democrats dictate the terms unopposed.
The combined outcome of these redistricting fights will shape the balance of power in the U.S. House heading into 2026—and could prove decisive in whether conservatives expand their majority or allow Democrats to claw back lost ground.