OMAHA, Neb. — As states consider redrawing their congressional district lines to favor one political party, politicians warn that attempts at gerrymandering can devolve into 'dummymandering'—where efforts to help one party instead bolster the opposing party in nearby districts.
Relying on a strategy initiated by former President Donald Trump, many state legislators aim to reshape boundaries to control the U.S. House in 2026. However, making these changes is proving to be more complicated than expected.
'Gerrymandering seems straightforward, but it can shift power dynamics, making districts overly competitive,' says political science professor Thomas L. Brunell, who coined the term dummymandering.
One focus of this ongoing redistricting battle is Nebraska, identified as a potential target for redistricting. Republican officials, including Governor Jim Pillen, articulate support for changes in districts like the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District, which has a significant Democratic voter base despite a Republican majority in the state.
The upcoming 2026 elections have already seen redistricting designed to accommodate more Republican seats in places like Texas, but risks abound. Some lawmakers caution that modifying district lines might backfire, potentially alienating current Republican incumbents.
In Nebraska, while efforts to tilt the map favorably for the GOP are considered, challenges remain as questions arise about voter behavior and the fate of districts believed to be secure.
As states like North Carolina and Missouri also explore redistricting, the delicate balance of power could shift, potentially leading to both opportunities and setbacks for political parties involved in this high-stakes game before the next election cycle.
Relying on a strategy initiated by former President Donald Trump, many state legislators aim to reshape boundaries to control the U.S. House in 2026. However, making these changes is proving to be more complicated than expected.
'Gerrymandering seems straightforward, but it can shift power dynamics, making districts overly competitive,' says political science professor Thomas L. Brunell, who coined the term dummymandering.
One focus of this ongoing redistricting battle is Nebraska, identified as a potential target for redistricting. Republican officials, including Governor Jim Pillen, articulate support for changes in districts like the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District, which has a significant Democratic voter base despite a Republican majority in the state.
The upcoming 2026 elections have already seen redistricting designed to accommodate more Republican seats in places like Texas, but risks abound. Some lawmakers caution that modifying district lines might backfire, potentially alienating current Republican incumbents.
In Nebraska, while efforts to tilt the map favorably for the GOP are considered, challenges remain as questions arise about voter behavior and the fate of districts believed to be secure.
As states like North Carolina and Missouri also explore redistricting, the delicate balance of power could shift, potentially leading to both opportunities and setbacks for political parties involved in this high-stakes game before the next election cycle.
