Partisan

• The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month that voting districts can no longer be drawn along racial lines under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, shifting focus to partisan considerations. • Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, the Act originally aimed to dismantle barriers for Black voters, but the decision now permits states to redraw maps based on political affiliations. • The ruling has triggered a rapid effort in several states to reconfigure electoral districts, potentially reshaping congressional representation ahead of future elections.

• Senator Lisa Murkowski is leading a bipartisan effort in the Senate to establish an independent redistricting commission at the federal level, aiming to reduce partisan gerrymandering in congressional elections. • The proposed legislation would require states to use independent commissions rather than partisan legislatures to draw House districts, with a focus on increasing competitive races and voter representation. • Advocates say the bill could reshape political power in closely divided states, while opponents warn it could infringe on state authority over elections.

• A new POLITICO-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab survey released May 8, 2026, found that strong majorities in both parties prefer an independent panel draw House district lines. • The polling data suggests voters across the political spectrum have grown frustrated with partisan gerrymandering and support reform measures limiting partisan advantage in redistricting. • The bipartisan sentiment contrasts with ongoing state-level redistricting battles where Republican and Democratic parties continue fighting over congressional boundaries.

• Florida has become the latest state to approve a partisan gerrymandered congressional map, reflecting ongoing efforts to reshape electoral districts for political advantage. • The redistricting decision continues the national battle over gerrymandering, with states competing to structure congressional districts to favor particular political parties. • The approval demonstrates the persistent challenge of partisan gerrymandering in U.S. electoral politics and its impact on representation and competitive races.

• A new POLITICO-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab survey reveals that strong majorities in both Republican and Democratic parties support independent panels drawing House district lines. • The bipartisan finding suggests public appetite for reform of the politically charged redistricting process. • The survey highlights voter frustration with gerrymandering and calls for institutional change to ensure fair representation.

• A new POLITICO‑Citrin Center‑Possibility Lab survey released Friday shows that strong majorities of both Republicans and Democrats favor an independent commission to draw U.S. House district lines, weakening arguments against ending partisan gerrymandering. • The Trump administration is weighing proposals to codify independent redistricting panels by tying federal funds to states that adopt such commissions, a strategy that could reshape battleground districts in 2026 and beyond. • Civil‑rights groups and voting advocates cheered the poll findings, arguing that independent commissions would reduce partisan manipulation of maps that currently skew toward both parties.

• A politically ambitious Connecticut Democrat abandoned bipartisan negotiations on government funding amid party pressure for inclusion. • The walkout escalates tensions over federal budget priorities and spending cuts. • This could delay funding bills critical for upcoming fiscal deadlines.