Only a fraction of House seats are competitive. Redistricting is driving that lower

February 22, 2026 at 05:00AM

Only a fraction of House seats are competitive. Redistricting is driving that lower

Redistricting is making most House seats noncompetitive, shrinking the number of districts where general-election outcomes are uncertain. The process, intensified by mid-decade redraws spurred by former President Trump, concentrates power among primary voters in a small set of districts. As a result, primary terrain largely determines congressional winners, reducing general-election competitiveness across the chamber.