In states like Texas, California, Kansas and beyond, politicians are fighting to redraw congressional maps that could shape power in America for years to come. The question many are asking is whether 2025’s redistricting efforts are about upholding democracy or diluting representation? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey and USA TODAY Politics Reporter Kathryn Palmer join The Excerpt to hash out what the implications are for the 2026 midterm elections.

UPDATE: Late Friday, Nov. 21, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily revived Texas’ contested congressional map while it considers the state’s emergency appeal. Read more here.

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