In a notable setback for the White House's strategy to bolster the Republican stronghold in the House of Representatives, the GOP's redistricting initiative in New Hampshire has been put on hold. The move comes as State Senator Dan Innis, a key Republican figure, withdrew his proposed bill that sought a mid-decade redrawing of the state’s two congressional districts, facing a lack of support from GOP Governor Kelly Ayotte.

According to Innis, who recently halted his U.S. Senate campaign, the decision was influenced by the governor’s reluctance to disrupt the normal redistricting cycle. “The governor wasn’t that supportive of it since it’s in the middle of the normal redistricting cycle," Innis explained to POLITICO. "Rather than create a difficult situation in my own house, the New Hampshire State House, I thought it made sense to save this for another time.”

This development mirrors a similar scenario in Indiana, where Senate Republican leadership admitted to lacking sufficient votes to pass a mid-cycle redraw, despite Governor Mike Braun considering convening a special session to address the state’s maps. The White House, which has been pushing GOP-led states for redistricting adjustments, did not immediately respond to the unfolding events in New Hampshire.

The pressure from the White House included threats of a primary challenge against Ayotte, signaling a take-no-prisoners approach. Notably, Trump ally and New Hampshire resident Corey Lewandowski, now a senior adviser at the Department of Homeland Security, hinted at a potential gubernatorial run against Ayotte.

Despite some Republican lawmakers in New Hampshire showing interest in redrawing the congressional map, which has been in place since a court-approved version was adopted after then-Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed legislative plans in 2022, Governor Ayotte remains steadfast. “We’re in the middle of the census, I don’t think the timing is right for redistricting,” Ayotte stated in an interview with local television station WMUR. She emphasized that the concerns most frequently raised by the residents of Granite State do not revolve around redistricting.

With both of New Hampshire's congressional districts currently under Democratic control, the GOP had hoped that redistricting could help them secure a seat in the upcoming midterms, where Democrats need to gain three seats to reclaim the House majority. However, even without new lines, the state’s open 1st District is expected to be a fiercely contested battleground in the next November elections.

As it stands, state lawmakers are keen on having Governor Ayotte’s buy-in before any new redistricting efforts can be pursued, signaling a continued standstill in the GOP's redistricting efforts under the current administration’s watch.