Gerrymandering is dominating political debate right now, and for good reason. The outcome of the 2026 midterms could hinge on which party is able to redraw congressional districts most aggressively in key states.

Gerrymandering, the practice of manipulating electoral boundaries to advantage one political party, has long been a fixture of American politics. But today’s fight is not simply about partisan mapmaking. It is about the growing willingness of both parties to abandon the norms that once constrained it.

Both Republicans and Democrats would prefer that voters believe the other side started this escalation. Each presents its own actions as justified retaliation. In reality, neither party can credibly claim the moral high ground.

The current battle is happening not because one side suddenly opposes gerrymandering on principle, but because the traditional boundaries governing redistricting are breaking down.

Gerrymandering isn't new, but partisans are becoming more shameless about it

President Donald Trump and his allies have taken a wrecking ball to the norms surrounding redistricting by successfully pushing for a new congressional map in Texas ahead of November's midterm elections.

That decision was highly unusual. Congressional districts are........

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