Pennsylvania will not pursue mid-decade redistricting of its congressional districts, according to state officials. Republican State Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman stated that redistricting is a "non-issue" due to the state's divided legislature. Typically, redistricting occurs every ten years following the U.S. Census, but some states are considering redrawing their maps earlier. This follows President Donald Trump's call for Republican-led states to redraw districts to maintain a Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized that early redistricting is "not on the table" in Pennsylvania, calling the president's request "shameful." Spotlight PA reports that the state legislature's partisan split poses a significant barrier to redistricting efforts. Both chambers of the legislature must pass a bill outlining new districts, and the governor must sign it.
While Pennsylvania law does not prohibit mid-decade redistricting, the current political environment makes it unlikely. Political science professor Chris Borick from Muhlenberg College noted that the state's divided government prevents unilateral actions like those seen in other states.
The issue of redistricting remains contentious, with concerns about gerrymandering and the potential for increased spending to influence state legislative races. All state House seats and half the state Senate will be contested in 2026, which could impact future redistricting efforts. Governor Shapiro is also up for reelection next November.