What Is Redistricting — and Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

Redistricting is the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, typically done every 10 years to reflect population shifts reported by the U.S. Census. But beyond its technical definition, redistricting plays a major role in shaping political power—often with high stakes.

Historically in America, redistricting has been used to dilute the political power of communities of color, particularly Black voters. Though drawing “race-blind” maps may sound fair on the surface, doing so often erases important protections meant to ensure equitable representation—especially under the Voting Rights Act. Ignoring race in this process can actually reduce Black political influence and deepen existing disparities.

Today, the redistricting fight in Texas is drawing national attention. The state’s controversial move to redraw its congressional maps mid-decade—aimed at securing five additional Republican seats—has escalated the conversation around partisan gerrymandering. While gerrymandering has long occurred behind closed doors, former President Donald Trump’s open call for map manipulation to protect Republican control of the House has brought new urgency to the issue.

The response has been dramatic. Democratic lawmakers fled Texas in protest, halting the vote and demanding fairness in the process. Meanwhile, California is taking steps to release a new map proposal, possibly signaling more action from blue states.

Redistricting isn’t just about lines on a map—it’s about who gets heard, who holds power, and whether our democracy functions fairly. As this fight unfolds, it’s clear: who controls the map controls the future.