Gerrymandering Wars: When the Pot Calls the Kettle Partisan
As Texas Republicans push to redraw congressional maps mid-decade—potentially adding five GOP-leaning seats—the backlash from Democratic leaders has been swift and fierce. But critics argue the outrage rings hollow, pointing to years of aggressive Democratic gerrymandering in states like California, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Maryland.
Despite California’s independent redistricting commission, Democrats have long benefited from district lines that favor their party. In the 2022 elections, Democrats won 40 of California’s 52 House seats—despite only securing about 60% of the statewide vote.
At the state level, the imbalance is even starker. Democrats hold a supermajority in both the California State Assembly and Senate. As of 2024:
• Assembly: Democrats control 62 of 80 seats
• Senate: Democrats hold 32 of 40 seats
This dominance persists even though over 40% of California voters consistently support Republican candidates. Critics argue that district boundaries have been drawn to dilute conservative representation, particularly in rural and suburban areas. The result: conservatives in California have virtually no legislative power, despite being a sizable portion of the electorate.
Massachusetts offers a similar picture: Democrats hold all nine congressional seats, and Republicans have minimal influence in the state legislature, despite earning roughly one-third of the vote in statewide contests.
Now, Texas Republicans are attempting their own redraw, arguing that Trump’s 2024 victory in the state entitles them to more representation. The proposed map would reduce Democratic-held districts from 13 to 8, even though Democrats make up a sizable portion of the electorate. This move has triggered a national partisan standoff, with Democratic governors in New York, California, and Illinois threatening retaliatory redistricting efforts.
Critics of the Democratic response say it is a case of selective outrage. “They’ve gerrymandered every inch of the states they control,” said one Texas GOP strategist. “Now that Republicans are doing the same, suddenly it’s a threat to democracy.”
The United States is a constitutional republic, not a pure democracy. That distinction matters. In a constitutional republic, elected representatives are meant to reflect the will of the people while operating within the constraints of a constitution that protects minority rights and prevents majoritarian tyranny. The goal is not just majority rule but fair, reasoned governance that respects all voices.
So, what is the solution?
Redraw all unfair maps. A national audit of district maps could identify and correct imbalances. States with egregious distortions whether red or blue should be held to the same standard.
Remove politicians from the map-drawing process. This is a no brainer.
New Legislation. The Freedom to Vote Act would ban extreme partisan gerrymandering nationwide and would empower courts to enforce fairness and require transparency. But can we trust the courts? We have all seen how that ends! Judges are definitely NOT non-partisan even though they are supposed to be.
The Fair Representation Act (H.R. 4632). Would allow multiple representatives per district, elected proportionally, and makes gerrymandering nearly impossible.
None of these things can happen fast enough for our 2026 elections. If Democrats have already maximized their advantage in states like California, Massachusetts, and Illinois, it is disingenuous to demonize Republicans for attempting similar tactics in Texas. The real issue is not which party is doing it, it is that any party can do it.
Fair representation should not be a partisan issue. It is a constitutional imperative.
By Carol Pefley
Candidate for Ca State Assembly District 28
