The competition over congressional control has led to an escalating battle over electoral maps in several states, with both parties taking steps to gerrymandering districts in their favor. Washington Correspondent Cassie Semyon explains what has led us to this moment.

Speaking to reporters in July, President Trump uttered nine words that have launched a political arms race.

“Just a simple redrawing, we pick up five seats.”

The President of the United States directing the governor of Texas to redraw the state’s congressional maps mid-decade to give Republicans a better shot at maintaining the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterms.

It’s not the first time Republicans have used the Lone Star state’s congressional map to try and gain the upper hand in the House.

“If you go back 20

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