WASHINGTON, D.C., July 22, 2025
Redistricting Fuels Democratic Urgency: A Call to Counter GOP Maneuvers
New York Rep. Ritchie Torres asserts Democrats must actively challenge Republican-led efforts to redraw congressional maps, particularly in Texas, to prevent what he calls “rigging the process.” Torres argues that inaction would make Democrats complicit in undermining democracy.
The Republican-controlled Texas legislature is poised to redefine congressional boundaries, aiming to secure a partisan advantage in upcoming elections. This move, reportedly driven by President Trump’s goal of adding five Republican seats, comes as Texas grapples with the aftermath of severe July 4 floods.
Torres, speaking on Morning Edition, emphasized the need for a national redistricting system that removes political influence. He believes that if Republicans “rewrite the rules in the middle of the game,” Democrats must respond rather than engage in “unilateral disarmament.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has echoed this sentiment, stating his intent to be “not passive at this moment” and suggesting that Democratic-controlled states consider similar redistricting efforts to counterbalance GOP gains.
Torres noted that while theoretically possible in states like New York, such actions face unique constraints, including constitutional provisions. However, he stressed that attempting to redraw maps fairly, within legal boundaries, is essential. “Either we counter their cheating or we become complicit,” he stated.
Interview Highlights
Steve Inskeep: What’s the basic idea you’re promoting?
Rep. Ritchie Torres: I would describe it not as ruthlessness, but as fairness. Ideally, redistricting would occur only once a decade after the census. No one in the Democratic Party desires a redistricting arms race. But if Republicans are going to alter the rules mid-game by redrawing maps in Texas, potentially gaining up to five seats, we have no alternative but to respond and reciprocate. To stand by passively is to engage in unilateral disarmament.
Inskeep: Can you do that in New York?
Torres: It’s theoretically possible, but we face constraints in New York.
Inskeep: There’s a constitutional provision in New York.
Torres: While Texas might lack such a provision, we must try. Republicans are essentially cheating, rewriting the rules mid-game. If we don’t counter their actions, we become complicit.
Inskeep: So, you’re suggesting state leaders, even in New York with its constitutional provisions, should explore ways to achieve a different electoral map?
Torres: We should attempt to redraw maps fairly, within the bounds of the Constitution. Yes.
Inskeep: From an outsider’s perspective, it might seem like manipulation. The same number of votes could yield a different result based on how districts are drawn.
Torres: This highlights the need for a national system to depoliticize redistricting. Democrats support this and have passed related legislation multiple times when in the majority, but Republicans have consistently obstructed it. If one party plays by the rules and the other pursues power at all costs, it’s a losing proposition for both the Democratic Party and for democracy itself.
Inskeep: Redistricting serves various purposes, including maximizing a party’s seats and protecting incumbents, which seems to be a growing trend. How has this affected the House of Representatives’ business?
Torres: Incumbency protection was a guiding principle in the original Texas redistricting. Republicans should be cautious about their desires. While they intend to strengthen their seats, it could backfire by creating more competitive districts in a potentially more favorable climate for Democrats.
Inskeep: To clarify the math: instead of, say, 10 seats that are 60% Republican, they might create more seats that are 52% Republican, potentially losing one seat overall.
Torres: Exactly. Those seats could become more competitive, similar to Jared Golden in Maine, who won in a district that leaned Republican and has cautioned others to “be careful what you wish for.”
Inskeep: How do you view the current state of the Democratic Party, with some describing it as confused or in disarray regarding the 2024 loss and the path forward for 2026 and beyond?
Torres: The Democratic Party is a work in progress. Our core message is affordability and a laser focus on lowering the cost of living, which was pivotal in the New York City mayoral race. We face significant challenges to our economy, democracy, and society. Donald Trump shows no regard for democratic norms and rules. There is no simple formula for resisting “Trump 2.0,” which appears far more vindictive, aggressive, and emboldened than his initial presidency.
Inskeep: Is there a concern about a lack of new leadership emerging within the Democratic Party?
Torres: A new generation of leadership is indeed emerging. Younger members are stepping into committee chairmanships, such as Robert Garcia [D-Calif.] for Oversight and Angie Craig [D-Minn.] for Agriculture. The new guard is rising, and this generation of members is adept at navigating the new media landscape. If Democrats are confident in their message, they must be willing to disseminate it across all alternative media platforms, which is something we are actively pursuing.
Inskeep: Did Republicans excel in this area during the last election cycle?
Torres: Donald Trump is a master of alternative media. For a long time, we’ve been playing catch-up.
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