President Donald Trump’s aggressive redistricting push is reportedly alarming an unexpected assortment of Republican leaders, leading to divisions within the party that have become a "loyalty test."
Politico reported Thursday that opposition to mid‑decade map changes cuts across ideological lines and touches every level of government. Although many endorse Trump’s gambit to shield the GOP’s House control in the midterms, an increasing number of Republican lawmakers — ranging from those in competitive districts in otherwise Democratic states to those in strong GOP territory like Florida — have begun voicing concerns.
"These strange divisions underscore the complex political dynamics of the president’s latest power play. It’s become a loyalty test that could boost Republicans’ chances of keeping their trifecta in Washington, but one that also carries significant electoral risk for several of their own members in Congress and potential for broader voter backlash," the report said.
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The report noted that Trump and his team persuaded formerly hesitant Texas Republicans to adopt a new House map and urged GOP governors in Missouri and Indiana to at least “seriously” consider doing the same. However, New Hampshire’s Republican governor has dismissed any possibility of changes, stating “the timing is off.”
Across the nation, Republican state legislators — who hold the power to redraw district lines in several key states amid this brewing redistricting competition — are similarly divided, per the report.
These unusual rifts highlight the intricate political stakes of the president’s latest maneuver.
Despite this, Trump’s team continues full steam ahead, confident they hold more state-level redrawing opportunities than Democrats, and dismissing most objections as the self-protective pleas of vulnerable members.
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White House officials and allies are rallying the base by pointing to Democratic gerrymandering in several states and asserting that Democrats have fewer offensive options left. Meanwhile, MAGA influencers like Steven Bannon and Charlie Kirk are urging supporters to “jam” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s (R) phone lines, pressuring him to force absent Democrats back and enable Republicans to advance a new congressional map.
California‑based GOP strategist Rob Stutzman told Politico: “Redistricting is not really an ideological exercise as much as a self‑interest exercise."
He added: “The safer you are and enjoy being in the majority, the more your self interest is ‘lets see Texas get scrambled and if we sacrifice some colleagues from blue states, in California and New York, so be it.’”
Yet for Republicans whose seats are less secure, Stutzman warned that “this poses a substantial risk to your career,” leading some to privately question whether “is this really worth it?”
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The report also quoted an individual familiar with White House thinking. According to the source, “we expect to have great success everywhere” if Democratic governors like California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) retaliate.
“All of these members, they should just remain calm because they’ll still be members,” the person added, referring to concerned Republican lawmakers.