Summary
Trump cheered Texas Republicans when they gerrymandered their districts but now threatens to sue California for doing the same. I’ll always fight for fair maps that protect Missouri families, not partisan power grabs.
Calling Out Trump’s Hypocrisy on Redistricting: Texas vs. California
By Ricky Dana, Candidate for U.S. House – Missouri’s 4th District
Trump’s Hypocrisy on Redistricting: Texas vs. California
Donald Trump has once again shown that his version of “fairness” only applies when it benefits him and his allies. Just weeks ago, Trump cheered when Texas Republicans forced through a gerrymander that gave their party extra congressional seats at the expense of Black, Latino, and urban voters. Now, Trump is threatening to sue California over its own redistricting efforts. The hypocrisy could not be clearer.
What Happened in Texas
Earlier this month, Texas Republicans passed a mid-decade redistricting plan. It was widely criticized as a blatant power grab designed to lock in GOP control. Civil rights groups and independent analysts pointed out that the maps intentionally diluted minority voting power, especially in rapidly growing cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.
Trump applauded the move. He praised Texas lawmakers for “protecting conservative voices” and claimed it was necessary to “secure elections.” The reality is that it was a textbook example of gerrymandering, drawing lines to choose voters instead of letting voters choose their representatives.
What’s Happening in California
Now compare that to California. The state has long used an independent redistricting commission to prevent politicians from manipulating maps. But recent legal and political shifts have prompted a new round of adjustments to district lines, some of which could benefit Democrats.
Trump’s reaction? Total outrage. He called the changes a “Democrat scam” and threatened to sue California in federal court to block them. The same man who praised Texas Republicans for rewriting the rules is now trying to shut down California for doing something far less extreme. That’s not about fairness—it’s about power.
Why This Matters for Missouri
Missouri is not immune from these games. If Republicans can ram through gerrymanders in Texas and attack California for even attempting reform, they can—and will—target Missouri next. Our communities, especially in rural areas, stand to lose representation when politicians manipulate maps for their own benefit.
Mark “Awful for Missouri” Alford isn’t going to stand up against this kind of double standard. He has already sided with Trump on these power grabs. That’s why it’s critical we call this out for what it is: an attack on democracy, plain and simple.
My Commitment
When I’m elected as your congressman, I will fight to:
- Ban mid-decade gerrymanders and only allow redistricting after the census.
- Protect independent redistricting commissions that take power out of politicians’ hands.
- Defend communities of color from being silenced by unfair maps.
- Stand up for rural families in Missouri who deserve equal representation, not political games.
Our democracy is strongest when voters choose their leaders, not the other way around. Missouri deserves fair maps, fair elections, and leaders who will tell the truth about hypocrisy in Washington.
Sources:
Washington Post – Trump threatens to sue California over redistricting
San Antonio Express-News – Texas Republicans’ gerrymandered power grab escalates threat to democracy
The Week – Texas OKs gerrymander sought by Trump
The Guardian – Texas Republicans’ redistricting maps and Trump’s role
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