In a stunning turn of events, a federal judge in Alabama selected a redistricting map submitted by an anonymous member of the public, identified only as “DD,” over those drafted by a court-appointed special master. The mapmaker, Daniel DiDonato, an 18-year-old college freshman, created the map using readily available online software and data. His success highlights how easily anyone can participate in mapmaking, influencing the political landscape and online communities. The selected map remedies a Voting Rights Act violation.
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U.S. Representative Troy Nehls, representing Texas’ 22nd Congressional District, has announced he will not seek reelection. His twin brother, Trever Nehls, immediately declared his candidacy for the seat, signaling a continuation of the district’s conservative leanings. The announcement comes amidst uncertainty regarding the district’s boundaries, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on a contested redistricting map. This marks the sixth Republican in Texas’ congressional delegation to retire this cycle, highlighting shifts in the political landscape.
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Indiana Senator Mike Bohacek, a Republican, has announced he will vote against redistricting efforts in the state due to President Donald Trump’s use of a slur in a recent social media post. Trump’s post, which used an offensive term, has been criticized by disability advocates, and Bohacek’s daughter has Down Syndrome. This decision comes as Trump has been urging states like Indiana to redraw congressional maps. The Indiana House is scheduled to discuss a new map on December 1, and the Senate is set to vote on December 8.
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Indiana State Senator to vote ‘No’ on redistricting, citing Trump’s use of a slur on social media is a fascinating case study in political maneuvering and the ever-shifting landscape of modern political allegiances. It presents a scenario where personal offense, seemingly, has become the defining factor in a politician’s decision-making process.
At the core of this situation lies the Indiana State Senator’s intention to vote against redistricting. The stated reason for this, and the one that is generating a lot of buzz, is the recent use of a derogatory slur by former President Donald Trump on social media. This slur, often used as a pejorative against individuals with intellectual disabilities, is particularly sensitive to the Senator because he has a daughter with Down Syndrome.… Continue reading
A recent ruling against Texas’s Republican-drawn congressional map, which was expected to yield five additional seats for the GOP, may hinder their chances in the upcoming 2026 midterms. Simultaneously, two Texas congressional races have shifted towards the Democratic Party, potentially jeopardizing the Republicans’ hold on those seats. Experts suggest the GOP’s chances of maintaining these seats may depend on distancing themselves from unpopular national figures and focusing on local issues. However, this ruling is being appealed to the Supreme Court, and final decisions on the fate of the redistricting maps are still pending.
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The Indiana state Senate will not be holding its planned December session to vote on redistricting, according to Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, due to a lack of support. This decision, influenced by pressure from the White House, diminishes the likelihood of redistricting the state’s congressional maps before the 2026 midterm elections. Despite a supermajority in both legislative chambers, Indiana Republicans have faced internal opposition to the idea of gerrymandering, with some citing potential political backfire and ethical concerns. This marks the second Republican-led state to resist the push for redistricting, following similar actions in Kansas, as Republicans aim to create new maps that favor their party in the upcoming elections.
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AP News reports that the Justice Department filed a lawsuit to block California’s newly approved congressional district boundaries, joining a legal challenge that could influence the 2026 U.S. House elections. The suit, filed in response to a map proposed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, accuses California of racial gerrymandering. This marks the first time the Justice Department has sued over mid-decade House map revisions designed to maximize partisan advantage, amidst similar actions in other states like Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina. The outcome of the legal battle, fueled by Proposition 50, could significantly impact the balance of power in the House, with Democrats aiming to gain seats.
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Democratic wins in redistricting war offset GOP gains have become a significant talking point in the political landscape.
The Republican Party’s strategy of aggressively gerrymandering districts, designed to cement their advantage, appears to be facing a counter-offensive. There’s a feeling that the GOP overplayed its hand, perhaps fueled by a certain hubris. They seemingly believed they could control the electorate through these tactics, but the reality is more nuanced. This overreach might have backfired, especially in states like Texas, where shifts in voter demographics, specifically amongst Latino communities, are potentially altering the expected outcomes. The impact could mean fewer seats for the GOP than they had initially hoped for from their partisan gerrymandering efforts.… Continue reading
Utah judge rejects GOP-favored map, handing Dems another redistricting win – but let’s be clear, it’s about far more than just “handing Dems a win.” It’s actually a win for the very principle of fair and free elections, and ultimately, a victory for the citizens of Utah in ensuring they get proper representation in Congress. It’s a good starting point, and it’s heartening to see this kind of pushback from the judiciary.
The specific case, as we understand it, stems from a ruling by Third District Judge Dianna Gibson. She found that the map in question, with a deadline looming, didn’t comply with Utah law.… Continue reading
Utah Judge Strikes Down GOP Gerrymander, Restores Voter-Approved Fair Map. Now, isn’t that a breath of fresh air? It’s genuinely refreshing to see a headline that doesn’t automatically lean one way or the other, especially when it comes to politics. It’s a win for democracy, a win for the people, not just a win for a particular party. It’s about respecting the choices made by voters, and that’s something we should all be able to get behind. The fact that the Utah legislature has been fighting this tooth and nail, despite the fact that it was actually a ballot measure *voted on by the people*, really speaks volumes.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Indiana Senator Opposes Redistricting After Trump’s Slur
Indiana Senator Mike Bohacek, a Republican, has announced he will vote against redistricting efforts in the state due to President Donald Trump’s use of a slur in a recent social media post. Trump’s post, which used an offensive term, has been criticized by disability advocates, and Bohacek’s daughter has Down Syndrome. This decision comes as Trump has been urging states like Indiana to redraw congressional maps. The Indiana House is scheduled to discuss a new map on December 1, and the Senate is set to vote on December 8.
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