August 10, 2025
The Origins and Evolution of Gerrymandering
Gerrymandering has been a fixture of American politics since the early days of the republic. Here’s a look at how it developed and adapted over time.
It all began in 1812: The term “gerrymander” was coined after Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry approved a redistricting plan that created a bizarrely shaped district favoring his party. A political cartoon likened it to a salamander—thus, “Gerry-mander”.
Even before the term existed, states like Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina were already manipulating district boundaries for political gain in the late 18th century.
Early Electoral Practices
In the 1790s to 1840, states varied widely in how they elected representatives. Some used statewide “general tickets,” while others drew districts with little federal guidance.
The 1842 Apportionment Act mandated single-member districts, intensifying the use of gerrymandering as a strategic tool.
Redistricting and Partisan Power
Post-Civil War to 20th Century, Gerrymandering became entrenched in state politics, often used to suppress minority votes or entrench one-party rule—especially in the South.
Modern methods include techniques like “packing” (concentrating opposition voters in few districts) and “cracking” (splitting them across many districts) have become standard practice.
Current Efforts
Democratic lawmakers from the Texas House of Representatives left the state to deny Republican lawmakers the quorum—the number of legislators required to pass legislation—they need in order to push through a new district map that would take five seats currently held by Democrats and give them to Republicans.
The attempt to grab five new seats in Texas to maintain control of the U.S. House of Representatives against the will of voters is a threat not only to Texas, but to the entire country and to the concept of America.
Florida’s redistricting saga may be heating up again. Governor Ron DeSantis is signaling support for a mid-decade redraw of congressional districts. While the Governor is pushing for action, many Florida GOP legislators are hesitant citing legal issues and sheer fatigue. Watch and see.
President Donald J. Trump has demanded this rare mid-decade redistricting in an attempt to hold control of the House of Representatives in 2026. He is urging all Republican-dominated states to make a similar change to guarantee Republican dominance regardless of the will of voters.
Trump also wants a mid-decade census. A census takes years to organize and implement. Watch for a “semi-census” haphazardly put together and illegal that the GOP will tout as the real thing.
This is not just rigging the system in Texas and Florida. It’s about rigging the system against the rights of all Americans for years to come. This is a key element in a move to authoritarian rule.
T. Michael Smith
OLD and QUIRKY 