A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows most Americans believe efforts to redraw congressional districts for partisan advantage, such as those in Texas and California, are harmful to democracy. The six-day survey of 4,446 adults found 57% fear American democracy is “in danger,” a concern shared by 80% of Democrats and 40% of Republicans.About 55% of respondents, including majorities of Democrats and nearly half of Republicans, said redistricting plans—commonly known as gerrymandering—are “bad for democracy.” At Donald Trump’s urging, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called a special session to redraw the state’s congressional map before the 2026 midterms, hoping to protect Republicans’ slim House majority. In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom has suggested adjusting his state’s districts to add Democratic seats.Although redistricting typically follows the census, the mid-decade timing has raised concerns, with critics warning it could make most House races uncompetitive. Some voters, like Dallas attorney Paul Wehrmann, said it sets a “bad precedent” and could spiral into constant map changes. Others, like Dallas Republican Amanda Kelley, dismissed it as “shady business.”The poll also highlighted deepening mistrust between parties. Over half of Democrats said Republicans are “not to be trusted,” while 43% of Republicans said the same about Democrats. Politics is also straining personal relationships, with 27% of Democrats saying the last election hurt their friendships, up from 18% in 2017.Analysts warn this growing polarization could undermine democratic engagement. As GOP pollster Whit Ayres put it: “Democracy involves a willingness to allow people with differing views to express those views.”
