Hakeem Jeffries unleashes 'war' on GOP maps ahead of midterms: 'We're going to finish it'

WASHINGTON, DC: Hakeem Jeffries is mounting an expansive effort to counter Republican redistricting moves, arguing that Democrats cannot afford to cede ground as control of the House hangs in the balance.

Still in the minority in a GOP-controlled Washington, Jeffries has pointed to prior map changes, including three seats in North Carolina in 2024, as pivotal to Democrats losing their majority.

Now, he is committing political capital, financial resources and legal support to reshape districts in key states. The strategy marks a shift from longstanding Democratic resistance to mid-cycle redistricting.

Democrats mount counteroffensive to GOP map changes

Jeffries has framed the redistricting fight as a direct response to efforts by Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers to redraw congressional lines mid-decade. 

“Republicans started this redistricting war, and Democrats have made clear, we’re going to finish it,” Jeffries said in an interview with CNN. “When they go low, we strike back.”

Democratic leaders believe recent electoral gains, including special election victories in heavily Republican areas, signal favorable political winds. But Jeffries has argued that optimism alone will not secure a majority if new GOP maps remain unchallenged.

After securing what he described as a major redistricting win in California, Jeffries said that he is prepared to devote “tens of millions” of dollars toward an April ballot initiative in Virginia that could yield as many as four additional Democratic seats.

A political action group aligned with him, House Majority Forward, has already committed $5 million, with additional spending expected.

Democrats project that potential gains in California, Utah and Virginia could offset Republican-led changes in states such as Texas, Florida and North Carolina.

A court challenge in New York could also affect the balance. Republicans, meanwhile, have enacted new maps in four states targeting nine Democratic-held seats, with additional changes under consideration.

“(Trump) wanted to rig the midterm elections, and for whatever the reason, didn’t think that Democrats were going to forcefully respond. He got that wrong,” Jeffries said.

"The best-case scenario for Republicans at this point is status quo, which is very different than what they were claiming when they were beating on their chest last year, saying they were going to gerrymander our opportunities out of existence," he added. 

Maryland debate highlights internal party divisions

While Virginia Democrats, led by Governor Abigail Spanberger, pursue an aggressive approach that could significantly reshape the state’s delegation, Maryland has become a flashpoint within the party.

Jeffries and other national Democrats are pressing state Senate President Bill Ferguson to allow a vote on a new congressional map that could target the state’s lone Republican-held district. 

“One man shouldn’t stand in the way of the people of Maryland … being able to decide, ‘Should we go in this direction? Or should we not answer Donald Trump’s continued efforts to rig the midterm election?’” Jeffries said.

Rep Glenn Ivey, a Maryland Democrat, acknowledged the political risks. 

“At the end of the day, if he won’t bring it to a vote, there’s not much you can do about that,” Ivey said, calling the broader redistricting battle “an awful game.” He added, “We better not lose the House by one seat.”

Rep Andy Harris, the Republican who represents Maryland’s lone GOP-held district, predicted a redraw could backfire on Democrats. “We’ll get a second seat. That’s why the Senate president doesn’t want to do it,” Harris said.