Sanders urges Democrats to counter GOP redistricting

Bernie Sanders argues that Democratic governors must mirror GOP redistricting tactics to counter Texas plans, using the issue to push a broader working-class message.

Sanders presses Democrats to counter GOP redistricting

Bernie Sanders told CNN that Democratic governors have no choice but to respond to Texas Republicans redrawing congressional maps to gain seats. He described the move as an attempt to rig the system and said Democrats must fight back instead of sitting on the sidelines. The Texas plan targets five new GOP seats in the U S House, while Democratic lawmakers in the Texas House have left the state to block the process. Governors in California and New York have warned they could use similar tactics to counter the move, underscoring how redistricting has become a statewide power play. Sanders reaffirmed his opposition to gerrymandering and urged a proactive response from the party.

The interview also touched on Sanders’ view of the 2028 race and broader foreign policy issues. He argued that the Democratic Party must stand unequivocally with working families and criticized donors who influence campaigns. On foreign policy, he said Israel has the right to defend itself but warned against actions that harm civilians, and he condemned the leadership of Netanyahu while calling for a cautious approach to arms sales. He asserted there would absolutely be a candidate in 2028 to carry the progressive banner, signaling continuity without naming potential contenders.

The exchange shows Sanders turning a procedural fight into a political test of values. Framing redistricting as a fight for the working class could mobilize base voters, but it also risks deepening polarization as map drawing becomes a high-stakes partisan sport. If Democratic leaders embrace mirror tactics, the country could see a new cycle of legal and political jousting over election maps in several states. The strategy hinges on turnout and messaging more than consensus building, which could damage trust in the fairness of elections even as it energizes a core constituency.

At the same time the interview exposes tensions inside the party. Sanders presses a populist economic line while also engaging with foreign policy cautions that can complicate the broader liberal coalition. The 2028 question lingers without clear answers, and his critique of donors points to a broader debate about who shapes Democratic policy. The balance between bold action and stable governance will define how this moment influences the party’s future trajectory.

Highlights

The map of power in America is always shifting and this week shows it again.