By Matt Underwood Newsom urges Illinois, NY to hurry up on redistricting, and it’s easy to see why he’s feeling the pressure. Republicans are already moving aggressively, targeting states like Missouri and Indiana for mid-decade redistricting, a tactic designed to solidify their advantage in the House. The consensus is clear: Democrats can’t afford to sit idle while the GOP redraws the map to their liking. The call to action is now, because by the time they respond, it could be too late.
The situation highlights a difficult dilemma. While gerrymandering is far from ideal, it’s viewed by many as a necessary evil, a tool to level the playing field in the face of aggressive Republican tactics. The ultimate solution, of course, is to win control of Congress and pass a federal law outlawing gerrymandering altogether. That’s a long-term goal, though, and one that requires, well, let’s say leadership. This brings us to Governor Hochul in New York, and the prevailing sentiment is that more could be done. The feeling is that she might not have the urgency needed, a problem that’s been observed before.
The complexities, however, are acknowledged. New York’s independent commission, enshrined in the state constitution, presents a significant hurdle. Changing this requires a lengthy process, making any redistricting efforts for 2028 the earliest possibility. The frustration is palpable; there’s a strong desire for Democrats to take charge and proactively respond to Republican actions.
This call for action is not just about New York and Illinois. The suggestion is that any Democrat failing to support these redistricting efforts should face a primary challenge. The idea is that any Democratic politician lacking the will to fight the Republicans’ maneuvers should be replaced with someone who will. The focus then turns to other states – Washington, Oregon, and Colorado. The idea is that Illinois has already secured 14 of its 17 districts. The conversation revolves around states with Democratic governors and trifectas.
The ideal scenario, a world without gerrymandering, is also put forth. Some hope for districts drawn based on communities and neighborhoods. A “levelling mechanism” where the votes cast align with representation received is an important idea. However, the realization is that this is not the reality we face. The argument is that Republicans have abandoned any pretense of good faith, are playing a different game, and are focused on maintaining power.
The stark reality is acknowledged: Democrats need to act now, before they are further disadvantaged. This is a reflection of the long history of Republicans using gerrymandering to their advantage. There’s an acknowledgment that a coordinated effort across blue states could potentially lead to a Supreme Court decision against gerrymandering, but this is more a hope than a current expectation.
The situation devolves to a sense of war. The sentiment is if the only way to win is to play hardball, then that is what must be done. There’s a recognition that the GOP is in the process of a “second American Revolution,” and the fear is that if Democrats don’t respond, they could be swept aside. The implication is clear: it’s a fight for the future, and to win, you must be willing to do what it takes. The question of whether the end justifies the means becomes central.
The argument then pivots. Pritzker is already working toward the same goal, so the idea of Newsom blaming him doesn’t make sense. And even if Democrats are successful in this endeavor, the feeling is there’s little chance they would abolish gerrymandering once they benefit from it. The focus then again goes to the idea of “playing by the rules”. The frustration here is very direct, and the suggestion is to just ignore the courts like Republicans do.
The discussion then takes on a broader scope. The question isn’t whether California can succeed in their own endeavors, but rather what triggers action. Texas and other states will be observed as to how they approach their redistricting efforts. The sentiment is that if Texas and others don’t take action, neither will California, and the maps will continue as they are. The current state of the country is a result of rule followers and nerds, and that needs to stop.
The focus turns back to the situation. The goal is to gain three seats to ensure a victory in the near future. The reality is that what should be and what is are two different things. What needs to be done is for Democrats to win first. The prevailing feeling is that this is war, and the best way to ensure success is to go at the issue head on.