Redistricting is one of the purest actions a legislative body can take.
Every individual who participated in the redistricting process knew that incumbency protection was a critical factor in producing the bizarre lines. . . . Many of the oddest twists and turns of the Texas districts would never have been created if the Legislature had not been so intent on protecting party and incumbents.
Redistricting is a deeply political process, with incumbents actively seeking to minimize the risk to themselves (via bipartisan gerrymanders) or to gain additional seats for their party (via partisan gerrymanders).
Republicans have spent a lot of money redistricting and everything, getting control of these governorships and statehouses.