Fact check: Which states are the worst in regards to gerrymandering

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Texas and Florida consistently emerge as the worst states for gerrymandering ^{[1] [2]}. These Republican-controlled states have implemented some of the most egregious examples of partisan redistricting to gain electoral advantages.

Texas is repeatedly highlighted as a prime example of aggressive gerrymandering, with Republicans attempting to redraw congressional maps to maximize their advantage ^{[3] [2]}. Florida is similarly identified as having some of the worst gerrymandering practices ^{[1] [4]}.

Other states frequently mentioned include:

• North Carolina - noted as a significant example of Republican gerrymandering ^{[4] [2]}
• Illinois - identified as the primary Democratic example, where the party has drawn maps that skew districts in their favor ^{[1] [4] [2]}
• Ohio, Tennessee, Utah, Indiana, and Nevada - all listed among the worst examples of congressional gerrymandering ^[4]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about the partisan nature and asymmetry of gerrymandering practices. While both parties engage in gerrymandering, the analyses reveal that Republicans are more ruthless in using this power and benefit more from the practice overall ^{[2] [3]}.

Key missing context includes:

• The practice creates an "endless cycle of gerrymandering" where states retaliate against each other ^[1]
• Republican-controlled states like Texas, Florida, and North Carolina have been particularly aggressive, while Democratic gerrymandering is primarily concentrated in Illinois ^[2]
• The impact extends beyond individual states to affect the overall balance of power in Congress and the 2024 House race ^[2]
• There are ongoing redistricting battles that could impact the 2026 midterms in states like Texas, California, Missouri, Ohio, New York, Illinois, Indiana, and Florida ^[5]

Alternative solutions are being proposed, including independent redistricting commissions and mathematical approaches like the "Define-Combine Procedure" to achieve fairer representation ^{[6] [7]}.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself is relatively neutral and doesn't contain obvious misinformation. However, it could potentially lead to false equivalency if not properly contextualized. The question implies that gerrymandering is equally problematic across party lines, but the analyses show that Republicans engage in more systematic and ruthless gerrymandering practices ^[3].

Potential bias concerns:

• Framing the issue as simply "which states are worst" without acknowledging the partisan asymmetry could mislead readers into thinking both parties are equally culpable
• The question doesn't address the structural advantages that gerrymandering provides to certain political interests, particularly Republican politicians who benefit from maintaining power through manipulated district boundaries
• Reform advocates and organizations like the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition would benefit from highlighting the severity of gerrymandering to build support for independent redistricting commissions ^[7]