January Redistricting Roundup: The New Year Brings New Maps
Since our last redistricting roundup, five additional states have finished redistricting and all except Louisiana have, at the very least, begun to consider proposals. At the same time, the state Supreme Court in Ohio overturned their new maps and ordered the state government to start over and litigation is advancing in several other states. Here’s an update of where redistricting stands as we move into 2022.
States With Approved Maps
Barring future court rulings, 28 states have now substantially completed the redistricting process. Several of the states we highlighted in the November roundup — Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Nebraska, Utah and West Virginia — as well as our December roundup — Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota and Texas — don’t have any new updates since they completed redistricting, so they aren’t included here. However, litigation is advancing in several states that could, like in Ohio, force them back to square one in the redistricting process.
A federal court in Alabama held a preliminary injunction hearing earlier this month in three cases challenging the state’s new congressional map on racial grounds. The three cases — Singleton v. Merrill, Caster v. Merrill and Milligan v. Merrill — challenge the map for different reasons but all ask the court to block the map from being used and order the creation of a new map that accurately reflects the state’s Black population. A ruling on the requests for preliminary injunction is expected any day now, with candidate filing scheduled to begin on Jan. 28.
Starting today, the Anchorage Superior Court will hold a trial for the five cases challenging the state’s new legislative districts. A livestream of the trial can be found here.
The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission unanimously approved a new congressional map on Dec. 22. The agreement came after a day of contentious debate, with Democratic commissioner Shereen Lerner criticizing Republican colleagues for seeking partisan gain and independent chair Erika Neuberg for continually siding with them. The new map makes Arizona’s 1st and 6th Congressional Districts highly competitive, raising the possibility of a 6-3 Republican split in 2022. The state’s new legislative map, on the other hand, failed to earn unanimous support, with both Democrats voting against final approval. While Republicans are expected to hold an edge, there are enough competitive districts that could win control of the Legislature.
The commission met on Jan. 18 to formally certify both maps. Lerner, however, announced during the meeting that she regretted voting in favor of the congressional map and alleged it doesn’t meet constitutional requirements. The commission later adjourned unexpectedly without voting for certification. Another meeting is scheduled for today.
The commission met on Jan. 18 to formally certify both maps. Lerner, however, announced during the meeting that she regretted voting in favor of the congressional map and alleged it doesn’t meet constitutional requirements. The commission later adjourned unexpectedly without voting for certification. Another meeting is scheduled for today.
After Arkansas’s congressional map became law, Arkansans for a Unified Natural State began collecting signatures to force a veto referendum. However, the group indicated earlier this month that it failed to collect the required number. As a result, the map will be in effect for the 2022 elections barring any lawsuits. A lawsuit has already been filed against the state’s new legislative districts on behalf of the Arkansas State Conference of the NAACP. The complaint alleges the map dilutes Black voting strength in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and argues that five additional majority-Black state House districts should be drawn.
The California Citizens Redistricting Commission unanimously approved new congressional and legislative maps on Dec. 20. While California still has the most congressional districts of any state, the state lost one district in Los Angeles County. The new congressional map is friendly to most Democratic incumbents, while several Republican-held seats become more competitive. The commission increased the number of majority Latino districts to 16. The new state Senate and Assembly districts are expected to maintain Democratic control in the statehouse.
Gov. Brian Kemp (R) waited over a month to finally sign Georgia’s new congressional and legislative districts into law on Dec. 30. In the weeks since then, multiple lawsuits challenging the maps have been filed. All five lawsuits challenge the maps on racial grounds, either for improperly using race as the predominant factor in drawing districts in violation of the 14th Amendment or for diluting the voting strength of communities of color in violation of Section 2 of the VRA.
The Idaho Supreme Court held arguments on the state’s new legislative districts on Jan. 14. Attorneys representing the Coeur d’Alene and Shoshone-Bannock tribes argued the districts neglected tribes’ sovereign boundaries and divided up communities of interest. Other attorneys for Ada and Canyon Counties argued the map unconstitutionally divided counties. The justices appeared skeptical of some of the arguments, while also grilling the attorney for the state’s redistricting commission. If the court sides with any of the challenges, the commission will reconvene to draw a new map.
On Dec. 30, a three-judge panel upheld Illinois’ new legislative maps. The panel rejected all claims raised by the plaintiffs in three lawsuits challenging the districts and declined to order the creation of new maps that include more Latino and majority-Black districts. The panel had previously taken control of legislative redistricting in response to lawsuits filed on behalf of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF), the Illinois GOP and NAACP.
Michigan’s new Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, established via a constitutional amendment in 2018, voted 8-5 on Dec. 28 to adopt the “Chestnut” redistricting plan. The new map, with 13 districts instead of 14, is significantly less biased towards Republicans than the previous gerrymander. It also pairs several current representatives together, setting up multiple possible primary election fights between incumbents — Reps. Andy Levin (D) and Haley Stevens (D) have already announced they will face each other in the new 11th District. The new legislative districts are also less biased towards Republicans, giving Democrats a change to flip the Legislature for the first time in decades.
On Jan. 5, members of the Michigan House, the Romulus City Council and Black voters filed a lawsuit in the Michigan Supreme Court challenging the new maps. The complaint argues the maps dilute the voting strength of Black voters in and around the city of Detroit in violation of the state Constitution and the federal VRA. Lawmakers and activists had previously raised concerns with how the commission tried to comply with the VRA.
On Jan. 5, members of the Michigan House, the Romulus City Council and Black voters filed a lawsuit in the Michigan Supreme Court challenging the new maps. The complaint argues the maps dilute the voting strength of Black voters in and around the city of Detroit in violation of the state Constitution and the federal VRA. Lawmakers and activists had previously raised concerns with how the commission tried to comply with the VRA.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed the state’s new Senate districts into law on Jan. 6, completing redistricting after previously approving new House and congressional districts. Lujan Grisham held off on signing the Senate bill until the last minute due to controversy over the plan. Republicans accused Democrats of marginalizing Latino voters and favoring Democratic incumbents, objecting to the map for placing Sens. Greg Baca (R) and Joshua Bosque (R) in the same district.
Litigation over North Carolina’s new districts, approved by the General Assembly in November, is well underway. On Jan. 11, a state court upheld the legislative and congressional maps, ruling that partisan gerrymandering claims are not justiciable under the state constitution. While the three-judge panel concluded the new maps “are a result of intentional, pro-Republican partisan redistricting,” they also contended that “partisan gerrymandering claims present a political issue beyond our reach.” The plaintiffs have already appealed to the North Carolina Supreme Court, which has scheduled oral arguments for Feb. 2.
The Supreme Court of Virginia adopted new congressional and legislative maps on Dec. 28, approving the second set of maps drawn up by the court’s special masters. The court took over redistricting following the failure of the state’s new commission to approve any proposals. The approved congressional map differs from the first proposal by minimizing changes to the 10th District held by Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D). Rep. Abigail Spanberger’s (D) 7th District is still significantly overhauled while Rep. Elaine Luria’s (D) 2nd District remains competitive. The new legislative maps place many incumbents in the same district.
On Jan. 19, a group of Washington voters and a nonprofit organization filed a lawsuit against the state’s new legislative map proposal, which has not been fully enacted yet. The complaint argues Latino voters were intentionally “cracked” into several districts in the Yakima Valley region in violation of Section 2 of the VRA. The lawsuit asks the court to block the use of the map in future elections and create a new map that includes a majority-Latino district in the Yakima Valley.
States With Proposed, But Not Yet Approved Maps
With 2022 primaries drawing nearer, many states are scrambling to finalize district maps before candidate filing deadlines. In a few states, courts have already taken over the process from the legislature or are poised to do so.
Deadlines
Congressional: Feb. 15, 2022
Legislative: Complete
Despite asking for an extension, Connecticut’s backup redistricting commission failed to adopt a new congressional map by Dec. 21. As a result, the state Supreme Court took over redistricting. Earlier this month, the backup commission’s Republican and Democratic members submitted two proposed maps to the court’s special master. Both proposals are similar, and neither deviates much from the current map. The special master released his own map on Jan. 18, and the justices plan to hold a public hearing on redistricting on Jan. 27.
Congressional: Feb. 15, 2022
Legislative: Complete
Despite asking for an extension, Connecticut’s backup redistricting commission failed to adopt a new congressional map by Dec. 21. As a result, the state Supreme Court took over redistricting. Earlier this month, the backup commission’s Republican and Democratic members submitted two proposed maps to the court’s special master. Both proposals are similar, and neither deviates much from the current map. The special master released his own map on Jan. 18, and the justices plan to hold a public hearing on redistricting on Jan. 27.
Deadlines
Congressional: June 13, 2022
Legislative: June 13, 2022
On Jan. 13, the Florida Senate’s redistricting committee approved its state Senate and congressional maps with near-unanimous approval. While voting advocates criticized both maps for diluting minority voting strength, senators from both parties praised the plans. Democrats consider the congressional map to be a reasonable attempt by Senate Republicans to adhere to the Fair Districts standard of the Florida Constitution. In an unusual move, however, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) submitted his own congressional redistricting plan on Jan. 16 that would cut in half the number of majority-Black districts and boost the number of districts Trump won in the 2020 election. Since DeSantis’ signature is needed for any plan to become law, his move may cause the Legislature to modify their redistricting plans. DeSantis’ map may also be illegal, as it dismantles the VRA-protected 5th District. As a result, analysts have suggested the map is more of a political stunt than a serious proposal. Accordingly, on Jan. 20, the Florida Senate passed its congressional plan, suggesting Republicans will ignore DeSantis’ proposal.
Congressional: June 13, 2022
Legislative: June 13, 2022
On Jan. 13, the Florida Senate’s redistricting committee approved its state Senate and congressional maps with near-unanimous approval. While voting advocates criticized both maps for diluting minority voting strength, senators from both parties praised the plans. Democrats consider the congressional map to be a reasonable attempt by Senate Republicans to adhere to the Fair Districts standard of the Florida Constitution. In an unusual move, however, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) submitted his own congressional redistricting plan on Jan. 16 that would cut in half the number of majority-Black districts and boost the number of districts Trump won in the 2020 election. Since DeSantis’ signature is needed for any plan to become law, his move may cause the Legislature to modify their redistricting plans. DeSantis’ map may also be illegal, as it dismantles the VRA-protected 5th District. As a result, analysts have suggested the map is more of a political stunt than a serious proposal. Accordingly, on Jan. 20, the Florida Senate passed its congressional plan, suggesting Republicans will ignore DeSantis’ proposal.
Deadlines
Congressional: Feb. 27, 2022
Legislative: Feb. 27, 2022
Hawaii’s redistricting took an unexpected turn this year when the U.S. military sent the reapportionment commission conflicting sets of data on the number of non-permanent resident personnel stationed in the state. Per a 2012 court ruling, non-permanent residents must be removed from population estimates used to redraw districts. The incorrect data forced the commission to redo parts of the redistricting process, leading the commission to vote to shift one House seat from Oahu to Hawai’i Island, also known as the Big Island.
Congressional: Feb. 27, 2022
Legislative: Feb. 27, 2022
Hawaii’s redistricting took an unexpected turn this year when the U.S. military sent the reapportionment commission conflicting sets of data on the number of non-permanent resident personnel stationed in the state. Per a 2012 court ruling, non-permanent residents must be removed from population estimates used to redraw districts. The incorrect data forced the commission to redo parts of the redistricting process, leading the commission to vote to shift one House seat from Oahu to Hawai’i Island, also known as the Big Island.
Deadlines
Congressional: June 1, 2022
Legislative: June 1, 2022
Kansas Republicans released two proposed congressional maps on Jan. 18, both of which appear to target the Kansas City-area district held by Rep. Sharice Davids (D). However, disagreements among Republicans could jeopardize a plan that radically shifts the status quo since rural residents could object to being joined with more urban communities. Gov. Laura Kelly (D) could also veto any proposals that pass the Legislature. Maps for new legislative districts will also have to contend with the continued shift of districts from more rural areas to more populated ones, another potential source of discord for Kansas Republicans in the redistricting process.
Congressional: June 1, 2022
Legislative: June 1, 2022
Kansas Republicans released two proposed congressional maps on Jan. 18, both of which appear to target the Kansas City-area district held by Rep. Sharice Davids (D). However, disagreements among Republicans could jeopardize a plan that radically shifts the status quo since rural residents could object to being joined with more urban communities. Gov. Laura Kelly (D) could also veto any proposals that pass the Legislature. Maps for new legislative districts will also have to contend with the continued shift of districts from more rural areas to more populated ones, another potential source of discord for Kansas Republicans in the redistricting process.
The Kentucky General Assembly approved redistricting plans on Jan. 8. Kentucky Democrats panned the maps for favoring Republicans, underrepresenting minorities and unnecessarily splitting populous counties. Republicans also chose to preserve the status quo in the state’s congressional delegation, leaving retiring Rep. John Yarmuth’s (D) Louisville-based district intact and making Rep. Andy Barr’s (R) district more Republican-leaning. On Jan. 19, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) vetoed the congressional plan for reflecting “unconstitutional political gerrymander” and the state House plan for being “designed to deprive certain communities of representation.” Republicans, however, can override Gov. Beshear’s vetoes with a simple majority.
Deadlines
Congressional: Complete
Legislative: Feb. 27, 2022
Since the General Assembly voted to override Gov. Larry Hogan’s (R) veto of the state’s new congressional map, two lawsuits challenging the districts have been filed. Both lawsuits argue the map is a partisan gerrymander designed to favor Democrats in violation of the Maryland Constitution. At the same time, the General Assembly has convened to consider new maps for the state’s legislative districts. The Assembly’s Legislative Redistricting Advisory Commission approved a proposal along party lines on Jan. 7 for consideration by the full legislature, while Hogan submitted a plan created by the Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission. Hogan’s plan will become law unless the General Assembly passes its own plan, which it is expected to do.
Congressional: Complete
Legislative: Feb. 27, 2022
Since the General Assembly voted to override Gov. Larry Hogan’s (R) veto of the state’s new congressional map, two lawsuits challenging the districts have been filed. Both lawsuits argue the map is a partisan gerrymander designed to favor Democrats in violation of the Maryland Constitution. At the same time, the General Assembly has convened to consider new maps for the state’s legislative districts. The Assembly’s Legislative Redistricting Advisory Commission approved a proposal along party lines on Jan. 7 for consideration by the full legislature, while Hogan submitted a plan created by the Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission. Hogan’s plan will become law unless the General Assembly passes its own plan, which it is expected to do.
Deadlines
Congressional: Feb. 15, 2022
Legislative: Feb. 15, 2022
With control of redistricting split between Democrats and Republicans, final map drawing in Minnesota will likely end up in the courts as it has every decade since 1980. A special panel appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court held oral arguments in an impasse lawsuit on Jan. 4 to prepare for this possibility. The panel will release its own maps on Feb. 15 if the Legislature fails to reach an agreement. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Senate Republicans released their own set of redistricting plans before the legislative session starts on Jan. 31. The Minnesota House Redistricting Committee previously voted to advance the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party’s plan in December.
Congressional: Feb. 15, 2022
Legislative: Feb. 15, 2022
With control of redistricting split between Democrats and Republicans, final map drawing in Minnesota will likely end up in the courts as it has every decade since 1980. A special panel appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court held oral arguments in an impasse lawsuit on Jan. 4 to prepare for this possibility. The panel will release its own maps on Feb. 15 if the Legislature fails to reach an agreement. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Senate Republicans released their own set of redistricting plans before the legislative session starts on Jan. 31. The Minnesota House Redistricting Committee previously voted to advance the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party’s plan in December.
Deadlines
Congressional: March 1, 2022
Legislative: April 3, 2022
The Mississippi Senate approved the state’s new congressional map on Jan. 12, sending the proposal to Gov. Tate Reeves (R) for approval. The plan preserves the majority-Black 2nd District represented by Rep. Bennie Thompson (D). Democrats in both chambers opposed the plan, arguing Thompson’s district was too large geographically and argued it should be more compact. The Legislature will consider legislative redistricting plans in the upcoming weeks.
Congressional: March 1, 2022
Legislative: April 3, 2022
The Mississippi Senate approved the state’s new congressional map on Jan. 12, sending the proposal to Gov. Tate Reeves (R) for approval. The plan preserves the majority-Black 2nd District represented by Rep. Bennie Thompson (D). Democrats in both chambers opposed the plan, arguing Thompson’s district was too large geographically and argued it should be more compact. The Legislature will consider legislative redistricting plans in the upcoming weeks.
Deadlines
Congressional: Feb. 22, 2022
Legislative: Jan. 23, 2022
A state House committee advanced a new congressional map to the House floor on Jan. 12. The proposal maintains the status quo of six Republican and two Democratic districts. However, it’s unclear whether this map has the votes needed to pass the Legislature. Conservative Republicans feel the map doesn’t go far enough, arguing the Legislature could eliminate the Kansas City-based district held by Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver (D). Despite these concerns, the full House voted to approve the map on Jan. 18. Meanwhile, the two commissions drawing the state’s legislative districts both failed to meet their deadlines. The House commission voted to approve both a Democratic- and a Republican-backed map while the Senate commission opted to turn over map drawing to a panel of judges. If the House commission fails to come to an agreement on a single map in January, the judges will also draw that map.
Congressional: Feb. 22, 2022
Legislative: Jan. 23, 2022
A state House committee advanced a new congressional map to the House floor on Jan. 12. The proposal maintains the status quo of six Republican and two Democratic districts. However, it’s unclear whether this map has the votes needed to pass the Legislature. Conservative Republicans feel the map doesn’t go far enough, arguing the Legislature could eliminate the Kansas City-based district held by Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver (D). Despite these concerns, the full House voted to approve the map on Jan. 18. Meanwhile, the two commissions drawing the state’s legislative districts both failed to meet their deadlines. The House commission voted to approve both a Democratic- and a Republican-backed map while the Senate commission opted to turn over map drawing to a panel of judges. If the House commission fails to come to an agreement on a single map in January, the judges will also draw that map.
Deadlines
Congressional: June 1, 2022
Legislative: June 1, 2022
The New Hampshire House approved a redistricting plan on Jan. 5 that makes both of the state’s congressional districts less competitive than they currently are. Under the proposal, the 1st District would favor Republicans while the 2nd would favor Democrats. Democrats, who had proposed a congressional plan with minimal changes, criticized the map as a clear partisan gerrymander. The House also approved a new plan for state House districts. Both plans are now before the state Senate.
Congressional: June 1, 2022
Legislative: June 1, 2022
The New Hampshire House approved a redistricting plan on Jan. 5 that makes both of the state’s congressional districts less competitive than they currently are. Under the proposal, the 1st District would favor Republicans while the 2nd would favor Democrats. Democrats, who had proposed a congressional plan with minimal changes, criticized the map as a clear partisan gerrymander. The House also approved a new plan for state House districts. Both plans are now before the state Senate.
Deadlines
Congressional: Complete
Legislative: March 1, 2022
New Jersey’s Congressional Redistricting Commission adopted a new congressional map on Dec. 22. The commission’s chair, former New Jersey Supreme Court Justice John Wallace Jr., cast a tie-breaking vote in favor of the Democratic map. The new map creates a more competitive district for Rep. Tom Malinowski (D) while three other Democratic incumbents who previously faced highly competitive races were drawn into more favorable districts. New Jersey Republicans filed a lawsuit in the state Supreme Court solely over Wallace’s role in the process, arguing his reasoning to vote in favor of the Democratic map is “unreasonable” and violates the New Jersey and U.S. Constitution’s equal protection and due process clause. In response to the lawsuit, the court asked Wallace to expand on his reasoning, which he did on Jan. 11.
Meanwhile, New Jersey’s Apportionment Commission has until March 1 to redraw the state’s 40 legislative districts. Four additional meetings have been announced to solicit public input and the commission’s tiebreaker has asked Democrats and Republicans to submit proposals by Feb. 8.
Congressional: Complete
Legislative: March 1, 2022
New Jersey’s Congressional Redistricting Commission adopted a new congressional map on Dec. 22. The commission’s chair, former New Jersey Supreme Court Justice John Wallace Jr., cast a tie-breaking vote in favor of the Democratic map. The new map creates a more competitive district for Rep. Tom Malinowski (D) while three other Democratic incumbents who previously faced highly competitive races were drawn into more favorable districts. New Jersey Republicans filed a lawsuit in the state Supreme Court solely over Wallace’s role in the process, arguing his reasoning to vote in favor of the Democratic map is “unreasonable” and violates the New Jersey and U.S. Constitution’s equal protection and due process clause. In response to the lawsuit, the court asked Wallace to expand on his reasoning, which he did on Jan. 11.
Meanwhile, New Jersey’s Apportionment Commission has until March 1 to redraw the state’s 40 legislative districts. Four additional meetings have been announced to solicit public input and the commission’s tiebreaker has asked Democrats and Republicans to submit proposals by Feb. 8.
Deadlines
Congressional: April 4, 2022
Legislative: April 4, 2022
New York’s bipartisan commission failed to agree on a single set of redistricting plans and submitted competing proposals to the Legislature on Jan. 3. The Legislature voted to reject both sets of plans on Jan. 10. The commission has 15 days — until Jan. 25 — to submit a new proposal to the Legislature. If the Legislature rejects the commission’s maps a second time, the Legislature will take full control of the process.
Congressional: April 4, 2022
Legislative: April 4, 2022
New York’s bipartisan commission failed to agree on a single set of redistricting plans and submitted competing proposals to the Legislature on Jan. 3. The Legislature voted to reject both sets of plans on Jan. 10. The commission has 15 days — until Jan. 25 — to submit a new proposal to the Legislature. If the Legislature rejects the commission’s maps a second time, the Legislature will take full control of the process.
Deadlines
Congressional: Jan. 24, 2022
Legislative: Jan. 24, 2022
The Republican-controlled House voted on Jan. 12 to approve the congressional map advanced by the House Government committee in December. However, Gov. Tom Wolf (D), whose signature is necessary for any plan to become law, criticized the House-passed proposal for failing to comply with his redistricting principles and proposed his own congressional map. If the General Assembly and governor fail to reach an agreement, courts will step in to resolve the impasse. Two impasse lawsuits are already proceeding in state court to prepare for this eventuality. The Commonwealth Court has ordered all parties to submit proposed maps by Jan. 24 and will impose a map on Jan. 30 if the normal process fails.
The Legislative Reapportionment Commission adopted a preliminary redistricting plan for the General Assembly on Dec. 16. The commission solicited feedback on the proposal until Jan. 18 and will hold hearings throughout January before developing a final plan. The proposals for the state House and Senate would likely lead to Democratic gains.
Congressional: Jan. 24, 2022
Legislative: Jan. 24, 2022
The Republican-controlled House voted on Jan. 12 to approve the congressional map advanced by the House Government committee in December. However, Gov. Tom Wolf (D), whose signature is necessary for any plan to become law, criticized the House-passed proposal for failing to comply with his redistricting principles and proposed his own congressional map. If the General Assembly and governor fail to reach an agreement, courts will step in to resolve the impasse. Two impasse lawsuits are already proceeding in state court to prepare for this eventuality. The Commonwealth Court has ordered all parties to submit proposed maps by Jan. 24 and will impose a map on Jan. 30 if the normal process fails.
The Legislative Reapportionment Commission adopted a preliminary redistricting plan for the General Assembly on Dec. 16. The commission solicited feedback on the proposal until Jan. 18 and will hold hearings throughout January before developing a final plan. The proposals for the state House and Senate would likely lead to Democratic gains.
Deadlines
Congressional: June 27, 2022
Legislative: June 27, 2022
The Rhode Island Special Commission on Reapportionment voted on Jan. 12 to advance new maps to the General Assembly for approval. The maps count about 1,000 inmates at their home address rather than at their prison address, a first step in eliminating prison gerrymandering in the state, although the proposals were also criticized for protecting incumbent lawmakers. Rhode Island’s congressional districts are largely the same under the proposal and will likely continue to send two Democrats to Washington.
Congressional: June 27, 2022
Legislative: June 27, 2022
The Rhode Island Special Commission on Reapportionment voted on Jan. 12 to advance new maps to the General Assembly for approval. The maps count about 1,000 inmates at their home address rather than at their prison address, a first step in eliminating prison gerrymandering in the state, although the proposals were also criticized for protecting incumbent lawmakers. Rhode Island’s congressional districts are largely the same under the proposal and will likely continue to send two Democrats to Washington.
Deadlines
Congressional: March 16, 2022
Legislative: Complete
On Jan. 10, a House legislative committee advanced a congressional map that would turn Rep. Nancy Mace’s (R) coastal district into a safe Republican seat. The proposal is similar to one released by Senate Republicans in November that was criticized along racial and partisan lines. Democrats also lambasted the map for ignoring the concerns of Charleston voters — former Rep. Joe Cunningham (D), for example, advocated keeping Charleston and North Charleston whole. On Jan. 19, a Senate committee advanced a similar map on a party-line vote. Meanwhile, the South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP has amended a previously filed complaint to argue the state’s new House districts are racially gerrymandered and dilute the voting strength of Black voters.
Congressional: March 16, 2022
Legislative: Complete
On Jan. 10, a House legislative committee advanced a congressional map that would turn Rep. Nancy Mace’s (R) coastal district into a safe Republican seat. The proposal is similar to one released by Senate Republicans in November that was criticized along racial and partisan lines. Democrats also lambasted the map for ignoring the concerns of Charleston voters — former Rep. Joe Cunningham (D), for example, advocated keeping Charleston and North Charleston whole. On Jan. 19, a Senate committee advanced a similar map on a party-line vote. Meanwhile, the South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP has amended a previously filed complaint to argue the state’s new House districts are racially gerrymandered and dilute the voting strength of Black voters.
Deadlines
Congressional: April 7, 2022
Legislative: April 7, 2022
On Jan. 12, Tennessee Republicans released their proposed congressional map, which targets Rep. Jim Cooper’s (D) Nashville-based district as expected. The House redistricting committee passed the map later the same day. On Jan. 13, the Senate advanced an identical congressional plan along with a new Senate map that will help Republicans maintain their legislative supermajority. Democrats harshly criticized the congressional map — Rep. Cooper tweeted that “All Nashvillians should feel insulted and abused by the new map.” The state Democratic Party announced its intention to sue over the redistricting plans for racially gerrymandering the state.
Congressional: April 7, 2022
Legislative: April 7, 2022
On Jan. 12, Tennessee Republicans released their proposed congressional map, which targets Rep. Jim Cooper’s (D) Nashville-based district as expected. The House redistricting committee passed the map later the same day. On Jan. 13, the Senate advanced an identical congressional plan along with a new Senate map that will help Republicans maintain their legislative supermajority. Democrats harshly criticized the congressional map — Rep. Cooper tweeted that “All Nashvillians should feel insulted and abused by the new map.” The state Democratic Party announced its intention to sue over the redistricting plans for racially gerrymandering the state.
Deadlines
Congressional: Not applicable
Legislative: April 25, 2022
On Jan. 14, the Vermont House advanced a multi-member district map instead of the single-member plan favored by the Legislative Apportionment Board in November. Some representatives objected to the move, arguing the single-member plan better represents Vermonters. The full House approved the plan on Jan. 18, sending the proposal to the Senate for approval.
Congressional: Not applicable
Legislative: April 25, 2022
On Jan. 14, the Vermont House advanced a multi-member district map instead of the single-member plan favored by the Legislative Apportionment Board in November. Some representatives objected to the move, arguing the single-member plan better represents Vermonters. The full House approved the plan on Jan. 18, sending the proposal to the Senate for approval.
Deadlines
Congressional: April 15, 2022
Legislative: April 15, 2022
Wisconsin’s redistricting process is in the hands of the state Supreme Court after Gov. Tony Evers (D) vetoed redistricting plans passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature. Oral arguments in Wisconsin’s impasse litigation were held on Jan. 19 to determine which congressional and legislative maps will go into effect this year. Each party in the lawsuit submitted their own proposals and explained how their maps comply with guidelines set by the court last year. The court ordered parties to present “least-change” maps and indicated it would not consider partisanship when evaluating proposals, raising the possibility the court will preserve the state’s existing Republican gerrymanders.
Congressional: April 15, 2022
Legislative: April 15, 2022
Wisconsin’s redistricting process is in the hands of the state Supreme Court after Gov. Tony Evers (D) vetoed redistricting plans passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature. Oral arguments in Wisconsin’s impasse litigation were held on Jan. 19 to determine which congressional and legislative maps will go into effect this year. Each party in the lawsuit submitted their own proposals and explained how their maps comply with guidelines set by the court last year. The court ordered parties to present “least-change” maps and indicated it would not consider partisanship when evaluating proposals, raising the possibility the court will preserve the state’s existing Republican gerrymanders.
Deadlines
Congressional: Not applicable
Legislative: End of 2022 Budget Session
Wyoming will adopt new legislative districts during the 2022 budget session. Ahead of the beginning of the session, a Wyoming legislative committee advanced the “I-80 Compromise” plan to redraw the state’s districts. The proposal entails numerous changes for communities along Interstate-80, the east-west freeway, with some lawmakers calling it a compromise and others calling it “chaos.” State Rep. Dan Zwonitzer (R) criticized the plan for favoring rural interests at the expense of more populous districts.
Congressional: Not applicable
Legislative: End of 2022 Budget Session
Wyoming will adopt new legislative districts during the 2022 budget session. Ahead of the beginning of the session, a Wyoming legislative committee advanced the “I-80 Compromise” plan to redraw the state’s districts. The proposal entails numerous changes for communities along Interstate-80, the east-west freeway, with some lawmakers calling it a compromise and others calling it “chaos.” State Rep. Dan Zwonitzer (R) criticized the plan for favoring rural interests at the expense of more populous districts.
States with Overturned Maps
Just because a state enacts new maps doesn’t mean redistricting is over. Courts can — and will — step in and overturn maps that are partisan or racial gerrymanders. Ohio is the first state to have its maps overturned, but it likely won’t be the last.
The Supreme Court of Ohio struck down the state’s new legislative and congressional maps last week for being partisan gerrymanders that violate the Ohio Constitution. In overturning the new General Assembly maps, the court held that the maps fail to ensure the statewide proportion of districts closely corresponds to the statewide preferences of Ohio voters as required by Article XI, Section 6. Similarly, the court held the congressional map “excessively and unwarrantedly favors the Republican Party.” The court ordered the Ohio Redistricting Commission to adopt new General Assembly plans by Jan. 22 and ordered the General Assembly to redraw the congressional plan by Feb. 13.
States Without Proposed Maps
Deadlines
Congressional: July 22, 2022
Legislative: Dec. 31, 2022
The Louisiana Legislature has announced it will hold a redistricting session in February. The session is currently scheduled to run from Feb. 1 to Feb. 22. Meanwhile, Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) indicated in his end-of-year news conference that he hoped the state would draw two majority-Black congressional districts instead of just one as the current map does. Coupled with Louisiana Republicans’ inability to override a gubernatorial veto, Gov. Bel Edwards’ position increases the likelihood the congressional map will end up in impasse litigation. A lawsuit has already been filed to prepare for this possibility.
Congressional: July 22, 2022
Legislative: Dec. 31, 2022
The Louisiana Legislature has announced it will hold a redistricting session in February. The session is currently scheduled to run from Feb. 1 to Feb. 22. Meanwhile, Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) indicated in his end-of-year news conference that he hoped the state would draw two majority-Black congressional districts instead of just one as the current map does. Coupled with Louisiana Republicans’ inability to override a gubernatorial veto, Gov. Bel Edwards’ position increases the likelihood the congressional map will end up in impasse litigation. A lawsuit has already been filed to prepare for this possibility.