Fact check: How many states have Democrats controlled the redistricting process since 2016?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, the question about how many states Democrats have controlled for redistricting since 2016 cannot be answered with a precise number. However, several key findings emerge:

Democratic control is limited by institutional constraints. In many states where Democrats hold the governorship and both legislative chambers (15 states total according to one source), their ability to control redistricting is restricted by independent or bipartisan redistricting commissions. States like New York, Washington, and Colorado fall into this category, where despite Democratic political control, maps are drawn by independent bodies ^[1].

Some states show clear Democratic control. The analyses identify Maryland and Illinois as states where Democrats have drawn "aggressively gerrymandered maps," indicating direct control over the redistricting process ^[1]. California and New York are also mentioned as Democratic-led states considering redistricting responses, though California faces constitutional amendment requirements due to its independent commission ^{[2] [3]}.

Limited overall impact. One analysis notes that Democrats "fully controlled the drawing of only 75 districts," suggesting their redistricting control has been relatively constrained compared to what might be expected ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several crucial pieces of context:

Institutional barriers are not mentioned. The question assumes Democrats could control redistricting wherever they hold political power, but many Democratic-controlled states have independent or bipartisan redistricting commissions that prevent partisan gerrymandering ^{[1] [5]}. This represents a significant constraint not reflected in the question.

Comparison to Republican control is absent. The analyses suggest this question exists within a broader "redistricting wars" context, with references to Texas redistricting schemes and Republican gerrymandering efforts ^[3]. Understanding Democratic control requires context about Republican redistricting activities.

Timeline specificity is missing. While the question asks about "since 2016," the analyses don't provide clear temporal boundaries for when Democratic control occurred or how it changed over different redistricting cycles.

Legal and procedural hurdles are overlooked. The question doesn't account for the "lengthy and arduous process" required for redistricting changes in some states, such as California's constitutional amendment requirements ^[2].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question contains an implicit assumption that may be misleading:

Overstates Democratic redistricting power. By asking simply "how many states," the question implies Democrats have had broad redistricting control, when the analyses show that Democrats "do not have obvious gerrymandering options in states they control" due to redistricting commissions and other restrictions ^[5].

Lacks comparative context. The question focuses solely on Democratic control without acknowledging the broader redistricting landscape, potentially creating a skewed impression of partisan gerrymandering patterns.

Ignores institutional complexity. The framing suggests a simple count is possible, when the reality involves complex interactions between political control, legal frameworks, and institutional constraints that vary significantly by state.

The question would be more accurate if it acknowledged these institutional limitations and sought to understand the effective control Democrats have had over redistricting, rather than assuming political control equals redistricting control.