Why bipartisanship is disappearing from Congress
Redistricting nationwide has not yielded a clear major advantage for either party, but it has produced more noncompetitive congressional districts. With fewer districts that are up for grabs in elections, lawmakers face stronger incentives to protect incumbents rather than seek bipartisan compromise, dampening cross-party collaboration on Capitol Hill.
The NPR Politics Podcast examines how these less competitive districts shift incentives, contributing to a more polarized and less cooperative political environment. The discussion includes how party sorting and district demography influence voting behavior and legislative negotiations, reducing opportunities for bipartisan deals.
Amid this trend, there are a few lawmakers who still buck the dynamics, pursuing cross-party alliances and compromise. The episode features reporting from Miles Parks, Sam Gringlas, and Ashley Lopez, highlighting examples and exploring whether a minority of bipartisan actors can still shape policy in a largely polarized landscape.