What They Are Saying: “State Legislative Races Just Got a Lot More Important”

WASHINGTON — Following the Callais decision that empowers state Republicans to racially gerrymander maps with no guardrails, the stakes of building Democratic power in state legislatures have never been higher. Given state legislatures control maps for over 300 congressional districts, the “party’s long-term prospects” will be shaped by Democrats’ ability to “flip statehouses this fall and gain full control in [battleground] states.”

The DLCC is heading into November with the strategy to flip eight Republican chambers, secure 6 new trifectas, and break ten GOP supermajorities, potentially putting as many as 10 to 22 congressional seats in play for Democrats to counter GOP gerrymandering in the South.

The bottom line: State legislative races “just got a lot more important.” 

Here is what people are saying about the stakes for state legislatures in 2026:

• The New Republic: Democrats can move to redraw maps in time for the 2028 elections in states where they control the legislatures. Which points to one big takeaway from the court ruling: State legislative races—which already attract too little attention—just got a lot more important. Many races underway now will help determine the party’s long-term prospects in the scorched-earth conflict that’s about to unfold.

• Punchbowl News: Democrats can attempt to redistrict more seats next year if they flip statehouses this fall and gain full control in states like Pennsylvania and Minnesota.” 

• Fair Fight: …There is still a path forward – blue‑state leaders can redraw maps to respond. State legislators can fight against discriminatory and unfair voting maps and file pro-voting rights bills.

• President Barack Obama: The good news is that such setbacks can be overcome. But that will only happen if citizens across the country who cherish our democratic ideals continue to mobilize and vote in record numbers – not just in the upcoming midterms or in high profile races, but in every election and every level. 

• The Guardian: After the US Supreme Court essentially struck down another major provision of the Voting Rights Act, advocates and Democratic lawmakers have renewed a push in the states to enact their own versions of the landmark civil rights bill to protect voters.

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) leads the national strategy to secure Democratic power in our state legislatures. We are the campaign arm for more than 3,000 state legislators and thousands of candidates across all 50 states who are advancing Democratic values and standing up to the dangerous MAGA agenda every single day. Over the last decade, our work has flipped 10 new chamber majorities. Those new majorities have ensured Democrats in state legislatures are positioned to protect our democracy and fundamental rights, while addressing the high cost of living and advancing opportunities. The DLCC’s national strategy and target map continue to pinpoint the most efficient paths to Democratic power across all 50 states.