As you all know, redistricting activity in both Texas and California is accelerating, with each state positioning to maximize partisan advantage ahead of 2026, sparking uncertainty among the prospective strategic implications for campaigns. Mid-cycle changes could alter district competitiveness, shift voter demographics, and require rethinking everything from budget allocations to message targeting.

James Aldrete (MAP) notes that “it’s not the first time Texas Dems have broken quorum to derail partisan redistricting, but it may be the first time they have had an actual endgame. The ripple effects in California, Illinois, etc., as well as more red states piling on, could provide a major shuffle for 2026.”

For consultants, that shuffle could mean more than just adapting to new district lines — it could drive a wave of intra-party battles, as primaries, more than general elections, increasingly determine the outcome of key seats. This uncertainty is already having a chilling effect on the ground. As Jamie Fisfis (Pathfinder Strategic LLC) explains, “the redistricting pushes are freezing a lot of campaigns and their donors. Candidates are waiting to see how this plays out, and in some cases, potential maps could pit them against each other. It puts everything in slow motion and even deters some from running at all.”

If you want to stay ahead of the curve and connect with top political professionals discussing how to adapt in this shifting environment, AAPC’s upcoming Regional Conferences are the place to be:

Southwest Regional Conference | Austin, TX | September 15-16 – Register Here

California Regional Conference | Long Beach, CA | October 20-21 – Register Here