🇺🇸 FACT CHECK: Do “Both Sides” Gerrymander Equally?
One of the most misleading myths in American politics is that Democrats and Republicans are “equally guilty” of gerrymandering. Republicans love to dismiss criticism of their maps with the phrase “both sides do it.” But the evidence is overwhelming: the GOP gerrymanders far worse, far more often, and with far more devastating consequences for democracy.
In this episode, we’re breaking down the numbers, exposing the Republican strategy, and explaining why gerrymandering is one of the most dangerous threats to fair elections in America today.
📊 Segment 1 – The Numbers Don’t Lie
Nonpartisan analysis shows the truth: the ten worst gerrymandered states in America all favor Republicans. Every single one.
Republicans have created three times as many gerrymandered seats as Democrats.
The most extreme, distorted maps in the country — the ones that split communities block by block — are Republican maps.
The idea that “both parties are equally guilty” isn’t just wrong. It’s a convenient myth to excuse GOP corruption.
🗺 Segment 2 – Texas as the Example
Nowhere is this clearer than Texas. Traditionally, maps are redrawn once a decade after the census. But Republicans in Texas are attempting something unprecedented: a mid-decade gerrymander to rig the 2026 midterms.
Why? Because Donald Trump asked for it. He knows his coalition is shrinking, and the only way to cling to power is by manipulating maps in red states. Texas Republicans are carving up districts to dilute Democratic and minority votes. That’s not representation. That’s rigging.
🏛 Segment 3 – Democrats Tried to End It, GOP Said No
In 2023, Democrats in Congress voted unanimously to ban partisan gerrymandering nationwide. And Republicans? Not a single one voted yes.
When given the chance to fix the system, Democrats supported reform. Republicans blocked it. Why? Because gerrymandering is their lifeline. Without it, they lose in a fair fight.
📜 Segment 4 – Trump’s Illegal Census Plan
Trump is also pushing for a mid-decade census — something no president in U.S. history has ever attempted. The Constitution is crystal clear: an “actual enumeration” happens once every ten years. Period.
But Trump wants to break the law, run a second count, and use it to redraw maps in GOP states. That means shifting congressional seats, electoral votes, and billions in federal funding — all for partisan advantage. It’s not just unconstitutional. It’s authoritarian.
⚖ Segment 5 – Why This Matters
Gerrymandering isn’t an abstract problem. It affects every American:
Communities of color are silenced.
Competitive elections disappear.
Extremists win safe seats where accountability vanishes.
This is why Congress feels broken. Lawmakers in rigged districts don’t fear voters — they only fear being primaried by someone even more extreme. And that’s exactly how democracy breaks down.
🎯 Segment 6 – The Takeaway
Let’s review:
The worst maps? All Republican.
The most extreme maps? All Republican.
Who tried to end gerrymandering in 2023? Democrats.
Who blocked it? Republicans.
Who’s pushing illegal mid-decade maps and even a mid-decade census? Trump and the GOP.
FACT CHECK: Republicans are not “just as bad” as Democrats. They are the problem. Gerrymandering is the reason our democracy feels rigged — and the reason the GOP keeps power it doesn’t earn.
📢 Outro – Call to Action
The next time you hear someone say “both sides gerrymander,” remember the truth: Republicans gerrymander far worse — and they’re proud of it.
If you believe voters should choose their politicians, not the other way around, then join the fight for fair maps. Because sunlight is the best disinfectant — and if we want real democracy, we need to shine a light on the GOP’s rigged system.