Hey, John,

*Scratches head* Wait, what is even happening right now? 🤯 Unless you’ve been under a rock (or lucky enough to be on a social media cleanse), you’ve seen the chaos around Texas, California, and congressional maps — oh my! Let’s break down what’s going on, how we got here, and why it actually matters.

WHAT ARE CONGRESSIONAL MAPS?

Every state is divided into congressional districts based on population size. Each district should have about the same number of people so everyone’s voice carries equal weight in Congress, state legislatures, and beyond. How and where those lines are drawn can make or break voters’ power.

WHAT IS REDISTRICTING?

Redistricting is the process of redrawing a state’s congressional maps — usually after the Census every 10 years — to keep districts balanced with roughly the same number of people. But there is a BIG difference between redistricting and gerrymandering, where officials purposely draw districts to give one group of voters or party more power, instead of equally representing the people who live there.

WHAT DOES REDISTRICTING MEAN FOR TEXAS VOTERS?

Instead of waiting for the 2030 Census, the White House pushed Texas to redraw its congressional maps early — giving Republicans a boost ahead of the 2026 elections. The new maps would split up Black and Brown communities, diluting their voting power. In protest, Texas House Democrats literally left the state for more than two weeks to block the plan. But now they’re back — and the House is gearing up to vote on the maps soon.

THEN HOW DID CALIFORNIA GET INTO THE MIX?

On Monday, the California legislature introduced its own new map that could add five new districts to offset the changes in Texas. If passed, California voters will need to approve the new maps in a November 4 special election (BTW, this would bypass CA’s independent redistricting commission, which some voters do not agree with).

The new maps will only take effect if Texas or another Republican-led state moves forward with their new maps, and they would remain in place for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections. All of this can change which party holds the majority in Congress next year.

THIS SEEMS WILD. IS ANY OF THIS NORMAL?

Even though redistricting is technically constitutional, what’s happening right now is definitely not normal. Texas's decision to redraw congressional maps early has upended the process for everyone and could determine who has power in Congress and makes decisions about us. Voters are supposed to choose our candidates, not the other way around.

Our congressional maps directly impact the power of our vote. One way to protect fair maps is by showing up in local elections. In 2025, voters will elect:

- 1,000+ judges who can strike down or uphold congressional maps
- 180 state legislators who draw the maps in some states
- 2 governors who sign the maps into law

No matter how they redraw the maps, our collective power at the ballot box remains the same. Let’s use it. Make sure you’re ready to vote at WhenWeAllVote.org [[link removed]].

— Nandi

Nandi Henderson
Associate Director, Digital Engagement
When We All Vote 🗳️
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