Where redistricting efforts stand after California passes Prop 50
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Voters in California approved a measure to redraw the state's congressional map in a move that could help Democrats flip multiple GOP seats and regain control of the U.S. House next year.
The big picture: California's decision adds momentum to nationwide redistricting efforts as both parties race to reshape Congress ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
- Five states have already redrawn their congressional maps, and many others are considering doing so.
Here's the current state of U.S. redistricting efforts:
GOP map gains
Texas: Redistricting efforts passed in the Lone Star state in August could deliver one of the biggest gains for Republicans, with up to five Democratic-held seats at risk.
Missouri: The GOP-controlled Senate passed a new map in September aimed at unseating Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), who's serving his tenth term representing the state's fifth congressional district.
North Carolina: Lawmakers approved new congressional lines in late October, designed to pick up one extra GOP seat by targeting Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.).
Ohio: Republicans already hold ten of 15 congressional seats, but a new map approved last week could expand their majority by two more.
Redistricting proposals to strengthen GOP control are up for discussion in Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana and Nebraska.
Democratic seat opportunities
California: Proposition 50 passed in November, allowing the state to replace maps drawn by its independent commission with new lines that could give Democrats as many as five additional House seats.
Utah: Republicans currently hold all four state House seats, but a state judge ordered the legislature to redraw congressional lines, saying the current map violated aspects of an anti-gerrymandering measure, giving Democrats the ability to gain one seat.
- Judge Dianna Gibson tossed a map on November 10 proposed by the Republican legislature, instead adopting a map that gives Democrats a stronger chance to flip a seat.
Illinois, Maryland, New York and Virginia are also weighing redistricting efforts that could improve their House prospects ahead of the midterms.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with the latest redistricting decisions.
Axios' Avery Lotz contributed reporting to this piece.
