Washington Democrats have introduced House Joint Resolution 4209, a proposal that would allow the state to redraw its congressional districts before the next census, a sharp shift from statements party leaders made just six months ago, indicating they would not pursue mid-decade redistricting.
The measure, backed by House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, a Democrat from West Seattle, would amend the Washington Constitution to permit congressional map changes under certain circumstances outside the standard once-a-decade redistricting cycle.
Not content with gerrymandering Washington's Legislative Districts…
Olympia Democrats have introduced HJR 4209 that would redraw WA's Congressional districts before the next census.
This comes after Olympia Democrats EXPLICITLY said they would not be doing this, just 6… pic.twitter.com/aOnuCYWprP— Future 42 (@future42org) January 18, 2026
Fitzgibbon said the proposal is a response to national efforts to redraw lines midstream for political advantage, arguing Washington needs a defensive option if other states move first.
“We’ve seen states around the country at the behest of Donald Trump redraw their congressional maps in the middle of the decade,” Fitzgibbon said. He framed the amendment as a tool for Washington to use “in protecting our democracy” should other states pursue early redistricting.
Democratic leaders and Gov. Bob Ferguson have signaled openness to the concept, contending that longstanding political norms around redistricting have eroded. Ferguson pointed to actions in California as evidence that the national environment is changing, while also indicating he generally would prefer Washington not alter its existing approach.
House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, a Democrat, said lawmakers have fewer options available than in past years as they assess what they describe as an increasingly aggressive national political landscape.
Republicans attacked the proposal as a political power grab and accused Democrats of shifting the rules when convenient. House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary criticized Democrats for even entertaining a mid-decade redistricting plan after earlier suggesting it wasn’t on the table. He warned voters to be skeptical of other Democratic assurances, including on taxes, as budget debates intensify.
The proposal faces major procedural obstacles. Because HJR 4209 is a constitutional amendment, it would require a two-thirds vote in the Legislature to advance. Fitzgibbon acknowledged he does not currently have that level of support. If the measure were to clear the Legislature, it would still need approval from voters statewide.
