Republicans Must Use Redistricting Power or Risk Permanent Democratic Control
Source: Shawn Fleetwood. "Red States Botch Redistricting To Avoid Looking Mean." May 15, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The author argues that Republicans are being too nice and should aggressively redraw voting districts to eliminate Democratic seats while they have the chance. He says Democrats would do the same thing without hesitation, and if Republicans don't act now, Democrats will change the rules permanently when they get back in power.
Conclusion
Republicans in red states should aggressively use their redistricting power to eliminate Democratic districts, rather than avoiding such actions out of concern for appearing mean or unprincipled
Premises
- Democrats are planning to pack the Supreme Court and eliminate the Electoral College once they regain power
- Republicans currently control redistricting in several red states affected by recent Supreme Court rulings
- Republican governors and legislators are canceling or avoiding redistricting opportunities that could eliminate Democratic districts
- Democrats consistently use every available mechanism to advance their agenda when in power, while Republicans hesitate due to concerns about optics
- The current political moment represents a unique opportunity that may not come again
- Democratic plans for court packing and Electoral College elimination would create permanent Republican disadvantage
- Republicans who won't fight to win should be replaced by those who will
Assumptions
- Political power is zero-sum - gains for one party necessarily mean losses for the other
- Democrats will follow through on threats to pack courts and eliminate the Electoral College
- Aggressive redistricting by Republicans is legally permissible and strategically necessary
- Public perception concerns are less important than securing political advantage
- The current political system is under existential threat requiring extraordinary measures