Recent Developments in Redistricting from the Politics Desk

Welcome to From the Politics Desk, your daily source for the latest insights and updates from the NBC News political team covering the White House, Capitol Hill, and election campaigns.

In today’s edition, Jane C. Tim explores the latest developments regarding redistricting. Meanwhile, “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker takes a closer look at what potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election are articulating—or choosing not to articulate—about their aspirations.

— Scott Brand

Louisiana’s New Congressional Map Alters Majority-Black Districts

Jane C. Timm

The Louisiana Republican Party has approved a new congressional map that eliminates one of the state’s two majority-Black districts, replacing it with a district that leans Republican. This redistricting is anticipated to facilitate the election of five Republicans and one Democrat to Congress, having passed the state Senate after modifications in the state House earlier this week. Currently, Republicans enjoy a 4-2 majority in the Louisiana House of Representatives.

This newly drawn map comes in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Louisiana v. Calais, which found that the existing congressional layout constituted a racial gerrymander and further undermined the Voting Rights Act.

While the map retains a majority-Black district connecting New Orleans and Baton Rouge, it is likely to face challenges from voting rights advocates, as Black individuals make up about one-third of Louisiana’s population. Republican Senator Jay Morris, who sponsored the bill, stated, “We have a map that meets all traditional redistricting criteria and is not racially discriminatory.” He expressed confidence that the new map would be robust against legal scrutiny.

During extensive debates, Republican lawmakers maintained that their primary focus is partisanship, aiming to boost Republican representation in Congress. “We concentrated on the Democratic numbers, not the racial figures,” noted state Representative Beau Beaulieu, who led the House’s mapping efforts, emphasizing that such a strategy is permissible under law.

US Military Yet to Confirm Iran’s Activity in the Strait of Hormuz

Courtney Cube and Katherine Doyle

Two U.S. officials, alongside a source familiar with ongoing evaluations, have stated that the U.S. military has not verified claims that Iran has planted sea mines in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, despite ongoing searches in the area. This lack of confirmation adds to the complexities surrounding the current conflict.

Gretchen Whitmer’s Withdrawal Reflects 2028 Challenges for Democrats

Kristen Welker

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced yesterday her decision not to run for president in 2028, only to later amend her statement, saying, “I’d rather not say never.” This reversal illustrates the challenges that potential presidential candidates face when navigating public inquiries into their ambitions.

Many aspirants handle such questions with caution; while they avoid dismissing the prospect of a run outright, they often hesitate to confirm their intentions. During discussions on “Meet the Press,” several possible candidates, including New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, refrained from ruling out a presidential bid, whereas others expressed commitment to addressing immediate priorities.

California Representative Ro Khanna emphasized his focus on economic vision while stressing the importance of winning the House. Similarly, Senator Ruben Gallego indicated that he would contemplate a presidential run only after the 2026 midterm elections, prioritizing family and current responsibilities. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, also active in her gubernatorial campaign, affirmed her concentration on her present duties.

As the political landscape shifts, several Democratic governors hinted at potential candidacies but remained noncommittal. California Governor Gavin Newsom stated he had not reached a decision on a presidential run, while Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro redirected his focus towards reelection and upcoming midterm elections.

Notably, one potential candidate has explicitly ruled out a presidential run: Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who affirmed on “Meet the Press” that he is committed to fulfilling his term if re-elected. Historical precedent shows that candidates often change their minds about running, influenced by evolving political contexts, as seen in past statements by figures like then-Senator Barack Obama and Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Even as Democratic figures navigate their political aspirations, a shadow primary is unfolding in crucial battleground areas and early primary states. Tonight, Mr. Beshear is slated to lead a Democratic fundraiser in South Carolina, with scheduled appearances at Representative Jim Clyburn’s annual fish fry alongside Mr. Khanna, underscoring the early political maneuvering crucial to future elections.

That’s all from the Politics Desk for now. Today’s newsletter has been edited by Scott Bland.

For feedback or comments, reach us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com.