Bulwark Takes The Redistricting Twist No One Saw Coming (w/ Dave Wasserman)
Nov 12, 2025
Tim Miller chats with Dave Wasserman, a senior editor and elections analyst at the Cook Political Report, about the surprising Democratic wins in redistricting. Dave shares insights on recent state developments, including a significant court ruling in Utah that may create a Democratic seat. They delve into implications for Virginia's map and examine how Republican strategies might shift due to recent electoral signals. The impact of the Supreme Court ruling on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is also explored, suggesting potential changes for majority-minority districts.
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Middecade Redistricting As Insurance
- Republicans pursue mid-decade redistricting to create an insurance policy against a potential Democratic wave in 2026.
- Democrats only need a few seats and face a smaller competitive field due to self-sorting and decreased swing districts.
Redistricting Momentum Shifted Toward Democrats
- Two months ago Republicans looked positioned to net five to eight seats from redistricting before 2026.
- Recent developments have reduced that to a likely low single-digit gain for Republicans.
Ohio Petition Drive Changed The Map
- In Ohio a petition threat forced Republicans to cut a deal that softened GOP gains and improved Akron for Democrats.
- The compromise resulted in only a roughly half-seat net Republican advantage instead of worse outcomes.