The results of two high-profile governor’s races taking place today, in New Jersey and Virigina, will be examined for clues as to the current feeling of the country, but a state ballot initiative in California—concerning the California Citizens Redistricting Commission—could very well have the greatest effect on the 2026 midterm elections.

If California voters approve Proposition 50, new congressional district maps, drawn by the state legislature rather than the current independent commission, will be used starting with the 2026 midterm elections and continuing through the 2030 election cycle. If voters reject it, the current maps will remain in effect.

But wait, why is this happening now?

In addition to California, several states with legislatures that are overwhelmingly controlled by one party are looking to redistrict earlier than usual in an attempt to maximize the number of congressional seats their party controls. With the margin of control in the U.S. House of Representatives so close, the addition of a few new seats could have a huge effect.

If California’s Proposition 50 is approved, the newly drawn state congressional map will target five Republican-held seats. Earlier this year, the Texas legislature passed a new congressional map that targets five Democratic held seats. Legislatures in Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Utah, and Viginia are all exploring the possibility of redrawing their maps before next November.

By the time the redistricting frenzy dies down, close to two dozen congressional seats could be affected. This will certainly play a role in who will be the Speaker of the House in January 2027, but it will also have an enormous effect on businesses all across the country.

Once the new maps are finalized, businesses may very well find themselves in districts with new representatives. Even if the representative remains the same, the district itself may have changed—becoming either more competitive or more partisan than before. As a result, policy priorities could change. So could political relationships.

Staffing firm leaders who have spent years building relationships with their member of Congress and that representative’s staff may find themselves having to start all over again. And while it is not automatic, there will certainly be cases where redrawn federal districts also affect state legislative districts. Those state relationships might need to be rebuilt as well.

If a staffing firm is headquartered, or has a major office, in a district changed during this process, the first thing the company needs to know is when the new district lines go into effect. States are trying to get them in place before next year’s midterm elections, but tight timelines, lawsuits, and other factors may postpone the implementation of new maps until 2028.

If your company is located in a district that will change next year, you should engage in the new race and find out who will be running for the seat. Try to meet the candidates and find out where they stand on important tax, labor, employment issues.

Once the election is over, reach out to the new representative and offer to be a resource, as you are likely to have a much better grasp on employment and other issues in the district. And if the previous representative is still in Congress (or the state legislature) don’t let that relationship go by the wayside. Even though the representative does not represent you anymore, that person still is an influential lawmaker who deals with issues that directly affect your business and your employees.

Don’t wait until you have a problem or need help to meet your new representative; reach out and connect with the legislator as soon as possible. The representative will appreciate the gesture and your help in getting to know the new district, and you will be on your way to building another solid relationship.