The NPR Politics Podcast How Openly Partisan Gerrymandering Is Becoming Normalized
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Aug 22, 2025 Redistricting takes center stage as Texas Republicans aim to shift maps for their advantage, while California voters face a decision on a Democratic-friendly plan. The conversation dives into the normalization of partisan gerrymandering, revealing how political parties manipulate boundaries. With eyes on the 2024 elections, the dynamics of voter demographics—especially among Latino voters—are explored. Amid serious themes, there's also a humorous detour into gambling and robot sports, adding a playful twist to the political discourse.
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Court Ruling Made Gerrymandering Easier
- The Supreme Court's 2019 ruling removed federal judicial oversight of partisan gerrymandering and opened the door for aggressive mapmaking.
- Close national polarization magnifies the impact of small map changes on control of the House.
Data Makes Maps Highly Precise
- Modern data and computing vastly improve mapmakers' ability to predict voter behavior.
- That precision makes crafting partisan-favoring districts far easier than in the past.
Texas Acts On Trump's Request
- Texas Republicans moved to redraw maps after President Trump explicitly asked them to create more safe Republican seats.
- Texas's growth, recent Latino shifts, and three decades of GOP control made it an easy place to act.