Open-seat opportunities arise in Texas’s 35th (redrawn to favor Republicans) and Maine’s 2nd District, where Golden is not seeking reelection.

A new wave of district targets and open seats has emerged amid redistricting, with California’s Darrell Issa and North Carolina’s Greg Murphy and Chuck Edwards holding newly redrawn areas, Florida’s Laurel Lee advancing in the 15th District, and Maine’s 2nd District becoming open as incumbent Democrat Jared Golden leaves and Paul LePage enters the race.

Additional targets include California’s 48th District (Issa), Florida’s 15th (Lee), North Carolina’s 3rd (Murphy), and North Carolina’s 11th (Edwards), reflecting shifts across several states.

The NRCC dismisses Democrats’ expansion as internal party strife and a fight within the Democratic coalition, downplaying its significance.

NRCC argues the map expansion exposes Democratic chaos and misalignment with working families’ priorities, framing the move as wishful thinking.

The party criticizes Democrats for internal rifts and radical policy positions, suggesting their expansion is a reaction to pressure rather than a solid plan.

DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene touts Democrats’ stronger message and candidate lineup, signaling a broader map for gains as Republicans redraw districts.

Redistricting dynamics continue to shape district leanings and hold strategic importance for controlling the House majority.

Democrats point to recent electoral momentum, including a Tennessee special election where a progressive candidate narrowed a Trump-favored district, as evidence for expanding maps.

The expansion follows strong 2025 results and a base of ongoing gains, reinforcing the party’s assessment of opportunities in redrawn districts.

In Maine’s 2nd District, Democrats pursue the open-seat contest with candidates like Matt Dunlap and Jordan Wood, though Inside Elections still rates the race Likely Republican amid Republican strength.

The DCCC has raised its ‘Districts in Play’ tally to 39, reflecting ongoing redistricting battles across Texas, North Carolina, California, and Maine.