The NPR Politics Podcast Roundup: Supreme Court OKs Texas Redistricting, Trump Dismisses 'Affordability'
60 snips
Dec 5, 2025 The Supreme Court gives the green light to Texas' partisan redistricting, stirring concerns about racial gerrymandering. Democrats overperform in a competitive Tennessee special election, hinting at shifting political dynamics. Trump brushes off affordability concerns as a 'con job,' igniting debate on economic priorities. Additionally, lighthearted segments include a reunion of a microchipped cat after 15 years and a quirky breakdown of a Taco Bell 50K event. It's a whirlwind of politics mixed with fun anecdotes!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Court Permits Partisan Maps If Not Overtly Racial
- The Supreme Court allowed Texas' mid-decade map because it viewed the changes as partisan, not racial.
- That leaves partisan gerrymandering effectively permitted at the federal constitutional level.
Gains In One State Can Be Offset Elsewhere
- Texas' map could yield up to five additional Republican seats, but California and other changes may offset gains.
- Small shifts in district lean can flip seats in wave years, so net advantage is uncertain.
Decision Lowers Legal Risk For Partisan Redistricting
- The Supreme Court's stance removes a legal check that might have restrained partisan mid-decade redistricting.
- State legislatures now face fewer legal barriers to pursue blatantly partisan maps.