Donald Trump made an unusual demand when he “ordered” Texas Governor Greg Abbott “find him” five new Republican Congressmen to be elected in 2026. To accomplish that congressional districts would have to be re-drawn – most unusual – in the middle of a 10-year census cycle. Trump’s goal is to assure Republicans retain control of Congress after the 2026 mid-term elections. Without that Trump knows his presidency is over and investigations of his actions (beyond that of Epstein) will probably happen.
Often overlooked – but most important – are state legislators elected to make policy and oversee state government. With the limelight focused on Texas state legislators, it shows the importance of this position in state government. There are 7,386 state-elected lawmakers across the 99 state legislative chambers in the United States. This figure includes members in both bicameral (two house) legislatures and Nebraska’s unicameral (one house) legislature.
Too often little attention is given to these legislative positions…except when political party operatives are recruiting “favorite sons” to run. Trump’s pressure campaign shows the importance of civic organizations & community groups as well as local governments beginning involved in finding legislative candidates.
These legislative elections must become competitive. Often at the legislative level choices are only incumbents and no competition. When that happens after a census we end up with few congressional competitive races thus no voter interest. According to a New York Times (NYT) analysis last year, only 8 percent of congressional races were competitive, down from 34 percent in 1996.
In the name of fairness – bipartisan or nonpartisan – state commissions should be established to handle redistricting. Certainly respected citizens can be found to help design redistricting.