a demonstrator holds a sign that reads #FAIRMAPS — Demonstrators gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington D.C. to demand fair districting maps. (NC Newsline file photo)

Gerrymandering. Most Americans are familiar with this phenomenon in which politicians rig electoral maps and elections for partisan purposes. But unless you’re a serious political observer, you may not be up to speed on just how far out of control this practice has gotten of late or, indeed, how unless something is done soon, it could spiral out of control.

And make no mistake: the threat is real. Right now, in Texas, Republican legislators are, at the urging of President Trump, attempting to make a mockery of the 2026 midterm elections by rigging congressional maps in unprecedented ways. And this situation is only fueling efforts in other states – by Republicans and Democrats – to follow suit. It’s a frightening situation that, as we’ve seen repeatedly in North Carolina, makes general elections uncompetitive and gives candidates from the middle no chance of winning.

The bottom line: Gerrymandering has come to be one of the greatest threats to American democracy and it’s essential that congressional leaders at some point soon muster the courage to end it.

For NC Newsline, I’m Rob Schofield.