President Trump has explicitly called on Republican-controlled legislatures to redraw their congressional maps now to lock in a House majority for the 2026 elections. In states like Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri, the state legislature has the sole power to draw maps. Because Republicans hold “trifectas” (control of the governorship and both legislative chambers), they can pass new maps as standard legislation.

In Virginia, the process is different because of a 2020 law that took map-drawing power away from politicians and gave it to a bipartisan commission.
Virginia Democrats (who currently control the state government) want to redraw the maps to favor their party. However, because of the 2020 law, they cannot simply pass a new map; they have to amend the state constitution.
In Virginia, constitutional amendments require a public vote. That is why there is a special election on April 21, 2026. Voters are being asked if the legislature should be allowed to “temporarily” take back the power to redraw maps. If the “Yes” vote wins, a new map—already signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger—will go into effect, potentially flipping 2 to 4 seats to the Democrats.

Meanwhile, Recent polling (March 2026) shows that 56–59% of Americans believe Trump’s military action in Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury has “gone too far,” with support for the conflict sitting at just 41%—one of the lowest levels for any U.S. intervention in history. While Americans are needlessly dying in Iran, Trump held up a custom black-and-gold marker, claiming he saved the government money by replacing $1,000 “fancy pens” with these $5 custom Sharpies. He even recounted a detailed (and disputed) conversation with the “head of Sharpie” about the design.