Trump’s “Simple Redraw” in Texas Isn’t So Simple

The new redistricting arms race has begun in Texas. Who knows where it will end and how much damage will be done?

In my professional life, I've experienced firsthand the impact of partisan redistricting — both as the “beneficiary” and “victim.” At the start of my congressional career, I worked for a member of Congress from Texas who was gifted a newly created district in 2005, a direct result of former Majority Leader Tom DeLay's controversial mid-census redistricting plan.

Later, I joined the office of Congressman Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, where the Democrats, under the total control of former Speaker Mike Madigan (a powerful political boss), similarly wielded partisan redistricting as a weapon. Following the 2010 census, in 2012 Kinzinger was forced into a challenging race against a 20-year incumbent. Despite the odds, Adam won by convincingly presenting a vision that resonated with voters. However, a decade later, after bravely voting to impeach Donald Trump following the January 6th insurrection, Adam was redistricted yet again, effectively drawn out of his seat.

What my experience in Texas and Illinois has taught me is simple yet profound: prolonged single party dominance isn’t good for the state, the voters, OR the state party. And that’s because democracy thrives when representatives must genuinely compete for the voters’ trust. Good members of Congress seek to represent everyone in their district, regardless of political alignment. They ensure all constituents have their voices heard, their needs addressed, and their interests considered.

Conversely, when districts become politically uncompetitive and dominated by a single party, corruption flourishes and the quality of leadership deteriorates dramatically. With no meaningful accountability, voters are left with representatives more committed to partisan games than public service.

Today, we see a troubling resurgence of aggressive partisan redistricting. President Trump and Texas Republicans are openly engineering new maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with Trump explicitly stating, "I think we’ll get five [seats]… just a very simple redrawing." Such blatant manipulation isn't limited to Texas — Democrats in states like California and New York are now considering similar moves, fueling an arms race in redistricting tactics.

This escalation is deeply troubling, given America's painful history of gerrymandering, which erodes democracy and undermines voters' rights. Gerrymandering manipulates districts to ensure politicians select their voters, rather than voters electing their politicians. It weakens minority voices, encourages extremism, and diminishes voter engagement.

We urgently need fairer electoral systems, including open primaries, ranked-choice voting, and truly independent redistricting commissions. But history shows politicians from neither major party will voluntarily embrace these reforms — they must be compelled by an informed, engaged public.

The only path forward is through you and me — the voters — demanding accountability and systemic change. Until we collectively recognize how our daily lives are impacted by poor leadership — from rising costs and diminished services to the erosion of the American dream — change will remain elusive.

If you're moved to act, consider supporting our strategic litigation partner Campaign Legal Center, which tirelessly fights for fair maps and defends voting rights in court. By supporting Bright America, you're investing directly in efforts to mobilize independent-minded voters, driving critical reforms to protect democracy, restore the rule of law, and build a brighter future. This button right here enables you to do both…

The solution begins with you. When citizens become better informed and more engaged, we create a powerful force capable of demanding — and achieving — the reforms our democracy urgently needs.