The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Sept. 3, 2025
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed his legislature’s mid-decade Congressional redistricting maps August 29th, manipulated to gain the GOP five seats at President Donald Trump’s request. After California’s move to counteract it, Missouri’s governor called a special session, and more states are considering rigging their Congressional maps.
The Texas map splits historically blue Congressional districts around Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and Houston to dilute liberal voting power, including in predominantly Black and Hispanic communities. Civil rights groups including the NAACP and Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law filed suit, claiming communities of color were specifically targeted.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a retaliatory bill Aug. 21st, asking voters to suspend a hard-fought independent redistricting commission through 2030 and allow partisans to draw and likely manipulate the state’s maps to gain Democratic seats.
August 29th, Governor Mike Kehoe called the Missouri legislature into a special session beginning September 3rd to also draw new Congressional districts. Republicans already hold a 6 to 2 advantage, but the Kansas City-area 5th Congressional District, held by 11-term Congressman Emanuel Cleaver will likely be split to gain an additional GOP seat.
Indiana legislative leadership met with President Trump August 26th. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signaled his state’s intent last month, and governors in blue states Illinois and New York have threatened but so far not retaliated.
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Pew Research – Redistricting between censuses has been rare in the modern era
Texas Tribune – Gov. Greg Abbott signs new Texas congressional map designed to give GOP five more seats
CalMatters – Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan is on its way to voters. What you need to know
NPR – At Trump’s urging, Missouri jumps into redistricting race to help Republicans
MO Gov. Mike Kehoe – Governor Kehoe Announces Special Session on Congressional Redistricting and Initiative Petition Reform
Missouri Independent – Missouri governor calls lawmakers back to Capitol to gerrymander congressional map
Indiana Capital Chronicle – GOP legislative leaders break redistricting silence as opponents deliver signature-backed petition
CBS News – Florida could be next big target for Republican redistricting before 2026 elections
Groups Taking Action:
NAACP, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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