A nationwide redistricting battle is unfolding as Republican-led legislatures, encouraged by former President Donald Trump, work to expand GOP-leaning congressional districts. In North Carolina, lawmakers are advancing a new map projected to give Republicans an edge in 11 of 14 House seats, joining similar efforts in states like Texas and Missouri. Despite Democratic protests, the proposal has cleared the state Senate, and Governor Josh Stein lacks the power to veto redistricting plans.
Republican officials argue the maps align with voter preferences and reflect Trump’s electoral success, while Democrats denounce them as partisan maneuvers. In contrast, California Governor Gavin Newsom is promoting a ballot initiative that would let the legislature temporarily bypass the state’s independent redistricting commission to add five Democrat-leaning districts, aiming to counter GOP gains elsewhere.
Beyond these high-profile cases, redistricting debates continue in Kansas, Indiana, Ohio, and Utah. With Republicans controlling both legislative chambers and the governorship in 23 states—compared to 15 for Democrats—the GOP maintains a structural edge in shaping congressional maps nationwide, potentially securing a long-term advantage in the House of Representatives.
Through his leadership PAC, Barr contributed multiple times to lawmakers including Reps. Anthony Gonzalez, John Katko, David Valadao, and Jaime Herrera Beutler—all of whom broke with Trump after the January 6 Capitol riot. A Trump adviser called Barr’s support “a slap in the face,” and others have labeled him a McConnell protégé unlikely to stand with Trump in tough moments.
Barr is competing against former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and businessman Nate Morris. Cameron lost the 2023 governor’s race despite Trump’s endorsement, while Morris has come under fire for donating to Nikki Haley shortly before she challenged Trump in the 2024 GOP primary.
Barr’s team argues he remains a strong Trump ally and that his PAC has made hundreds of donations aimed at building GOP unity. His spokesman highlighted Trump’s past support for Barr and pointed to Morris’ backing of Haley and his business record as reasons to question Morris’s commitment to conservative principles.With Trump maintaining broad influence in Kentucky—where he won by over 30 points—his endorsement could be decisive in the 2026 Senate primary, shaping the future of GOP leadership in the state and beyond.