Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jo Brosius
(859) 244-8153
Nov. 5 , 2010
State Redistricting Decisions Offer Decade-Long Effects
WASHINGTON, D.C .—New majorities are waiting in the wings in 19 state legislative chambers, according to analysis by The Council of State Governments, the nation's premier association serving the community of state officials in all three branches of government. All eyes will soon turn to state capitols for redistricting decisions that could affect the political landscape for the next decade.
"Redistricting is the one event every 10 years when Congress stops and takes note of the states.With new majorities both in the U.S. House of Representatives and in 19 state legislative chambers, the GOP will be looking to redistricting to solidify their gains from Tuesday night," said Chris Whatley, director of the CSG Washington, D.C. office. Whatley tracks state-federal affairs in the nation's capital.
Three state ballot initiatives in this Tuesday's election could impact redistricting decisions. California approved Proposition 20 granting authority for drawing Congressional district lines to an independent commission that already draws state legislative boundaries.
Oklahoma voters approved State Question 748 revising the composition of the Oklahoma Reapportionment Commission, which sets state legislative district lines but not Congressional districts.
Finally, Florida voters approved constitutional amendments requiring Congressional and state legislative districts to follow city, county or geographical boundaries. The amendments also stipulate that districts must have similar population distribution, be compact, and must not favor or disfavor a political party or incumbent or disenfranchise any racial or ethnic group.
Changes in party affiliation and new redistricting procedures will be particularly apparent in states poised to lose or gain seats, according to Whatley. The GOP will benefit from new governors and legislative majorities in both Pennsylvania and Michigan as they tackle the difficult task of redrawing lines after losing a Congressional seat. Florida will put its new redistricting procedures to the test as it adds two new Congressional seats.
States slated to gain or lose seats in the reapportionment process include:
Lose 2 |
Lose 1 |
Gain 1 |
Gain 2 |
Gain 4 |
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2000 |
2010 |
2000 |
2010 |
2000 |
2010 |
2000 |
2010 |
2000 |
2010 |
NY |
NY |
CT |
IL |
CA |
SC |
AZ |
FL |
TX |
|
PA |
OH |
IL |
IA |
CO |
UT |
FL |
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IN |
LA |
NV |
WA |
GA |
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MI |
MA |
NC |
SC |
TX |
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MS |
MI |
AZ |
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OH |
MO |
GA |
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OK |
NJ |
NV |
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WI |
PA |
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The Council of State Governments is our nation’s only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships. Learn more at www.csg.org.