Democrats’ Gerrymandering Flip-Flop Erodes Their Credibility

For years, the Democratic Party framed gerrymandering as a fundamental threat to democracy. In response to continued GOP gerrymandering, Democrats are changing their tune — a shift likely to further erode trust in the party and US political institutions.

California Gov. Newsom Discusses Texas' Redistricting Plan

California governor Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference with Texas lawmakers at the governor’s mansion on July 25, 2025, in Sacramento, California. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)


For years, Democrats framed gerrymandering as a fundamental threat to democracy.

Former president Barack Obama once called it “a sneaky way for politicians to consolidate as much power as they can.” Obama’s former attorney general, Eric Holder, helped launch a national campaign to end partisan redistricting, warning that it disenfranchises voters and erodes trust in government.

And yet, something has shifted.

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