House Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Discuss Redistricting and Primary Reforms

Tom Suozzi of New York discussed congressional redistricting and primary election rules in a May 17, 2026 interview on Face the Nation. CBS News reported that redistricting efforts could give Republicans a net gain of roughly nine House seats. Fitzpatrick said the process harms the country and described gerrymandering as corrosive to democracy.

Fitzpatrick said the Problem Solvers Caucus met the previous week to oppose gerrymandering. He noted that only seven states currently use independent citizen commissions with computer-assisted line drawing. Fitzpatrick said Congress could tie Help America Vote Act funding to requirements for such commissions.

Suozzi said gerrymandering creates safe seats that reduce incentives for lawmakers to reach across party lines. He stated that candidates in safe districts focus on primary voters rather than the full electorate.

Fitzpatrick said more than half of states have closed primaries that exclude independent voters. He described the system as unjust and said it contributes to gridlock because lawmakers focus on roughly 18 percent of their constituents who vote in primaries.

Suozzi said his district was won by President Trump by 19,000 votes. He stated that winning requires support from Democrats, independents, and some Republicans, which encourages broader outreach. Fitzpatrick said closed primaries and gerrymandering together damage the political system.

He said the combination produces a "vote no, hope yes" approach on the House floor.