The Political Genius of Donald Trump and Greg Abbott
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Donald Trump demanded Texas redistrict in the middle of the cycle. His lapdog Greg Abbott was happy to do his master’s bidding. This led to a ridiculous map where Texas Republicans assumed that their gains among Latinos would last. It means that it’s possible Republicans will gain only 1 seat out of this, though they could win a couple more depending on candidates and all that. But still, it’s not much. Meanwhile, this finally got Democrats off their ass to fight back and now they are coming out of this midcycle redistricting madness significantly ahead of Republicans. Virginia is the latest state where Democrats are doing the right thing and taking Republicans threats seriously:
Virginia Democrats said they have reached an agreement within their party on how to redraw the state’s congressional map in time for the 2026 midterm elections, as a court battle over the legality of the entire process continues.
“Donald Trump started it, Virginia is going to finish it,” House Speaker Rep. Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) said.
“Our maps are ready. Virginia is ready. We said 10-1 and we meant it,” added Sen. L. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth).
The proposed map would affect Virginia’s 11 congressional districts, where Democrats currently hold six seats and Republicans hold five. Based on past voting data, Democrats say the new map could create a 10-1 Democratic advantage.
That’s Virginia alone countering Texas. That doesn’t even get into what California has done. And note: It’s not as if Abigail Spanberger is some flaming leftist. She is as moderate a Democrat as it gets. But she’s also not an idiot. She recognizes Republicans for what they are. For so, so, so long Democrats refused to do this (hello Blue Slip Dick Durbin!). Now they are.