Gerrymandering affects political representation by manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts to favor a particular political party or group. This practice can dilute the voting power of certain populations, such as racial minorities or opposing party supporters, leading to unbalanced representation in legislative bodies. By creating safe seats, gerrymandering can reduce electoral competitiveness, discourage voter turnout, and contribute to political polarization. As a result, it undermines the principles of fair representation and can hinder effective governance.