An anonymous Republican operative “close to the White House who works on Senate and House races” tells Politico Playbook he’s come to a certain realization about the party’s push to redraw congressional maps in Texas and other states, on that should’ve been obvious from the get-go, especially given convicted felon President Trump’s obsession with maintaining control of the House.
“If we are relying on redistricting to hold the majorities, we have bigger issues,” said the operative. In the very next quote, the operative then decided it was worth it anyway. “Frankly, Democrats do it, so we are giving them a dose of their own medicine,” he said, evidently satisfied with the justification.
Which should tell you that the new Texas map – which Punchbowl News reports creates five new Trump +10 seats – is not being seen as enough in that state nor are Republicans particularly optimistic they can squeeze enough out of other states. Further down Playbook also rates it as highly likely California will respond in kind, thus leaving the most probable outcome a wash of very-low-single-digit seats shifted nationally and more bad blood Blue and Red between states.