Federal judges blocked the GOP-drawn congressional map in Texas and ordered the state to revert to last year’s lines; Texas AG Ken Paxton plans to appeal. A new NPR/PBS/Marist poll shows Democrats leading 55% to 41% on the generic 2026 congressional ballot. Other developments: Gov. Mike Braun backed primary challenges over an Indiana redistricting push; Rep. Mikie Sherrill will resign Thursday ahead of becoming New Jersey governor; Larry Rhoden announced a run for a full term in South Dakota; Hakeem Jeffries faces a primary from Chi Ossé; and Jaime Harrison launched a seven-figure rural outreach effort.
Campaign Round-Up — Nov. 19, 2025: Federal Court Blocks Texas Map; Democrats Lead 55–41
Federal judges blocked the GOP-drawn congressional map in Texas and ordered the state to revert to last year’s lines; Texas AG Ken Paxton plans to appeal. A new NPR/PBS/Marist poll shows Democrats leading 55% to 41% on the generic 2026 congressional ballot. Other developments: Gov. Mike Braun backed primary challenges over an Indiana redistricting push; Rep. Mikie Sherrill will resign Thursday ahead of becoming New Jersey governor; Larry Rhoden announced a run for a full term in South Dakota; Hakeem Jeffries faces a primary from Chi Ossé; and Jaime Harrison launched a seven-figure rural outreach effort.
07:38 PM, 11/19/2025Politics
Here is today’s roundup of notable campaign developments from around the country.
Federal court blocks Texas GOP map
Federal judges this week struck down the Republican-drawn congressional map in Texas that lawmakers adopted in August, ordering the state to revert to the map used last year. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has vowed to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Polling: Democrats hold a sizable edge ahead of 2026
The latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows Democrats with a clear advantage on the generic congressional ballot: when asked which party's candidate they would support if the 2026 races were held today, 55% chose Democrats and 41% chose Republicans. The margin suggests Democrats enter the midterm cycle with momentum, though much can change over a year of campaigning.
Indiana redistricting controversy
After several days of heightened public debate over a proposed mid-decade redistricting effort, Republican Governor Mike Braun said he would support primary challenges to GOP legislators who refuse to back a partisan redrawing of districts. The statement escalates intra-party tensions ahead of the next legislative session.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill to resign ahead of governorship
Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill will formally resign from Congress on Thursday at 11:59 p.m. ET as she prepares to be inaugurated as New Jersey's next governor. Governor Phil Murphy will schedule a special election to fill the resulting U.S. House vacancy.
South Dakota governor's race
Republican Larry Rhoden, who assumed the governorship after Kristi Noem departed to serve as homeland security secretary, announced he will run next year for a full term. He is expected to face a crowded GOP primary.
Hakeem Jeffries faces a primary challenge
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who aspires to become House speaker after the 2026 midterms, was hit with a primary challenge this week when New York City Council member Chi Ossé filed paperwork to run against him in the Democratic primary.
Jaime Harrison launches rural outreach initiative
Former Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison announced a seven-figure effort to "expand the map" by building Democratic strength in rural areas and small towns. Reports note that Harrison will use his PAC, Dirt Road Dems, as part of the initiative.
If you would like weekly campaign round-ups like this one, check back for ongoing updates as the 2026 cycle unfolds.