In a recent social media announcement, Trump instructed the Commerce Department to "immediately begin work on a new and highly accurate CENSUS based on modern day facts and figures and, importantly, using the results and information gained from the Presidential Election of 2024." He asserted, "People who are in our Country illegally WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS."
Historically, the U.S. Census Bureau has gathered data from all foreign-born individuals participating in its censuses and surveys, irrespective of their legal status, a practice that has been maintained throughout its 235-year history. This data plays a crucial role in determining how the 435 seats in the House of Representatives are allocated among the 50 states every decade.
Trump's announcement coincides with a contentious situation in Texas surrounding a proposed congressional map that could secure an additional three to five U.S. House seats for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections. In response, Texas Democrats have departed the state in protest, effectively preventing the necessary quorum for voting on the proposed changes. Republican Governor Greg Abbott is taking steps to impose legal repercussions on those lawmakers, including instructing the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate and apprehend them, and asking the Texas Supreme Court to remove a prominent House Democrat from office.
With control of the U.S. House hanging in the balance, Democratic leaders in blue states have vowed to retaliate should Texas Republicans successfully alter their congressional map. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and California Governor Gavin Newsom indicated their intentions to explore ways to gerrymander their own maps, despite both states currently employing independent commissions for map drawing—an approach established through constitutional amendments.
In light of the GOP's narrow margins in the House, additional Republican governors are also considering the possibility of redrawing congressional maps ahead of the 2026 elections. Democrats will only need to gain three seats in November to reclaim control of the House.
Vice President JD Vance is set to visit Indiana on Thursday to discuss redistricting and other significant topics with state Republican leaders.
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