National Redistricting Battle Intensifies After Supreme Court’s Callais Ruling: Where Things Stand in Each State

WASHINGTON — Less than six months before the 2026 midterms, the Supreme Court’s April 29 decision in Louisiana v. Callais — which sharply limited race-based considerations under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act — has triggered a wave of mid-decade map changes in Republican-led states while Democrats pursue gains in blue states. Several maps are now finalized for November 2026, others face lawsuits or court hurdles, and a handful remain in flux.

Here is the current status of every state actively redistricting or considering changes:

Texas

Republican lawmakers enacted a new congressional map in August 2025. It is fully approved, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, and in effect for the 2026 elections. No major ongoing lawsuits threaten its use. Expected gain: up to +5 Republican seats.

Florida

On May 4, 2026 — the same day as the Callais ruling — the Republican-led legislature passed and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new congressional map during a special session. It targets several Democratic-held districts in South Florida. The map is in effect for 2026, though Democrats and voting-rights groups have filed challenges citing state constitutional provisions against partisan favoritism. Expected gain: up to +4 Republican seats.

Tennessee

The legislature passed and Gov. Bill Lee signed a new map on May 7, 2026, that eliminates the state’s only majority-Black district by splitting Memphis across three districts. The map is in effect for 2026. Democrats and the NAACP have sued, but a federal judge denied an emergency block on May 14. Expected gain: +1 Republican seat (potential 9-0 GOP sweep).

Missouri

The legislature passed a new map in September 2025 that splits Democratic-leaning Kansas City. Gov. Mike Kehoe signed it, and the state Supreme Court upheld it in recent rulings. The map is finalized and in effect for 2026. Expected gain: +1 Republican seat.

North Carolina

Republicans approved a revised map in October 2025. It is fully in effect for 2026 with no successful legal blocks to date. Expected gain: +1 Republican seat.

Ohio

The Ohio Redistricting Commission approved a new congressional map in late 2025. It is finalized and scheduled for use in 2026. Expected gain: +2 Republican seats.

Alabama

Following the Callais ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court on May 11-12 cleared the way for the state to use its 2023 Republican-drawn map (one majority-Black district instead of two). The legislature passed contingency legislation for special primaries on Aug. 11 if courts finalize the switch. The new map is expected for 2026 pending final court action. Expected gain: +1 Republican seat.

Louisiana

The Callais decision struck down the state’s previous map. Gov. Jeff Landry suspended congressional primaries (originally May 16) to allow time for a redraw. The legislature is actively considering a new map that could reduce majority-Black districts. Implementation for 2026 is likely but still in process. Expected gain: +1 to +2 Republican seats.

Mississippi

Republicans are pushing to adopt the 2022 map during a special session beginning May 20. The move would likely flip the majority-Black 2nd District held by Rep. Bennie Thompson. The map is not yet approved and faces timing and legal hurdles for 2026. Expected gain: +1 Republican seat if adopted in time.

California

Voters approved a Democratic-drawn map via ballot measure in November 2025. It is finalized and in effect for 2026. Expected gain: +5 Democratic seats.

Virginia

Voters narrowly approved a Democratic-backed constitutional amendment in April 2026 authorizing mid-decade redistricting. The Virginia Supreme Court struck it down on May 8 for procedural violations. Democrats appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court on May 12, but existing court-drawn maps remain in place for 2026. No change expected this cycle.

Georgia

Gov. Brian Kemp called a special session for June 17, but it is limited to maps for the 2028 cycle. No changes for 2026; current maps remain in effect.

Other states such as South Carolina, Utah (litigation-driven), and Maryland have seen discussions or minor court adjustments, but none have active mid-decade congressional redraws affecting 2026.

Net Seat Outlook

Across finalized or near-final maps, Republicans are positioned for a net gain of five to eight House seats from redistricting alone heading into the 2026 midterms. Democrats’ gains in California (+5) are more than offset by Republican advantages in Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and potentially Alabama and Louisiana. The exact net will depend on pending litigation in Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana and any last-minute court interventions. The shifts strengthen the GOP’s narrow majority but do not eliminate the competitive nature of the midterms.