Redistricting News & Analysis

2022 House Overview: State-by-State Redistricting Analysis (May 7, 2021)

May 7, 2021 · 2:30 PM EDT

By Nathan L. Gonzales and Jacob Rubashkin

Six months into the 2022 midterm elections, and we still don’t know the congressional lines that will define and determine the fight for the House majority. And considering Republicans need a net gain of just five seats, literally every seat matters.

The U.S.…

2022 House Overview: State-by-State Redistricting (Alabama - Iowa)

May 7, 2021 · 2:29 PM EDT

Alabama. Current breakdown: 6R, 1D. According to pre-apportionment announcement estimates, the Yellowhammer State was at significant risk of losing a congressional seat, but Alabama will retain its 7-member delegation. No partisan changes are expected, just a competitive Republican primary to replace 5th District Rep. Mo Brooks, who is running for…

2022 House Overview: State-by-State Redistricting (Kansas - New York)

May 7, 2021 · 2:28 PM EDT

Kansas. Current breakdown: 3R, 1D. The state legislature draws Kansas’ congressional map, which is subject to gubernatorial veto. Republicans hold veto-proof majorities in both chambers, though in the state Senate the party can only afford two defections and is not always able to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s vetoes on…

2022 House Overview: State-by-State Redistricting (North Carolina - Wyoming)

May 7, 2021 · 2:27 PM EDT

North Carolina. Current breakdown: 8R, 5D (Apportionment: +1 seat). The Tar Heel State gained a seat and Republicans control the process in one of the four most important states for redistricting. Democrats believe the new seat should include the Research Triangle- at the nexus of North Carolina State Univ., Duke…

10 Takeaways from the Reapportionment Announcement

April 26, 2021 · 4:38 PM EDT

By Nathan L. Gonzales & Jacob Rubashkin

Nearly four full months late, the U.S. Census Bureau announced apportionment totals for the next round of redistricting. Here are some initial thoughts on the process and the fight for the House: 

•The House majority was in play before the reapportionment announcement and…

Let’s Talk About How We Talk About House Retirements

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 11, 2021 · 10:00 AM EDT

Welcome to a redistricting cycle, where the routine is more complicated. 

Typically, members announce they aren’t seeking reelection, political journalists produce long lists of people mentioned as contenders for the open seat and the race begins. In a redistricting cycle, however, it’s not clear what the district will look like…

Three Lessons from the Ghost of Redistricting Past

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 1, 2021 · 9:38 AM EDT

While most of the recent redistricting coverage has focused on delayed census data, partisan control of the mapmaking and the inevitable legal fights, that only captures part of the chaos and complexities ahead this cycle. 

Even after the lines are drawn, candidates and campaigns still matter. Some members are going…

Breaking Down the Redistricting Process

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 19, 2021 · 2:29 PM EDT

Ten years is long enough to forget how crazy redistricting cycles can be. 

There’s the normal uncertainty of new congressional lines and renumbered districts. Add in a narrowly divided House of Representatives, frayed nerves from the 2020 election and subsequent invasion of the Capitol, and data delays from the U.S.…

Six Senators Who Owe Their Hill Careers to Redistricting

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 19, 2021 · 9:00 AM EDT

While redistricting can be a curse for some politicians by forcing them into uncomfortable and even unwinnable situations, new congressional lines can be launching pads for other candidates, with repercussions beyond the House. 

At least six U.S. senators can credit their initial arrival on Capitol Hill to redistricting. Each of…

How the Lack of Ticket-Splitting Leads to Gridlock

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 3, 2021 · 2:22 PM EST

It’s easy to blame politicians for gridlock on Capitol Hill. It’s the voters, however, and the lack of ticket-splitting, that are key to the lack of compromise. For some reason, people act surprised that a divided country is reflected in a divided Congress.

The bottom line is that there are…