Redistricting News & Analysis

Tennessee Redistricting: Rocky No More for Republicans

by Jessica Taylor January 6, 2012 · 5:19 PM EST

Tennessee Republicans unveiled a congressional map on Friday that shores up the three-seat gain they made in 2010. Likely solidifying their grip on the Volunteer State for years to come, Republicans have now created seven districts that voted over 60 percent for John McCain in 2008.

New Congressional Maps Deliver Presents for Some, Coal for Others

by Jessica Taylor January 5, 2012 · 11:33 AM EST

While most of the news was focused on Iowa and the presidential race during the holidays, several states were rushing to meet year-end deadlines to redraw their congressional lines. In New Jersey, losing a congressional seat now guaranteed a Democrat will be on the chopping block, while in Washington…

New Texas Map Yet Another Win for Democrats

by Stuart Rothenberg December 2, 2011 · 1:59 PM EST

A three-judge federal district court has presented a Texas congressional district map that will be used for the 2012 elections, and it is another win for state and national Democrats. Court-drawn and independent commission or agency-drawn maps in Arizona, Colorado, California, Iowa and Texas have all benefited Democrats.

Colorado Map: Two Democratic Targets Might Net One Seat

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 2, 2011 · 1:58 PM EST

It’s no surprise that Colorado will feature a pair of competitive congressional races next year, but the new map radically changed one GOP incumbent’s prospects by turning his safe seat into one of the most competitive districts in the country.

Republicans hold a 4-3 advantage in the congressional…

Federal Court to Draw Texas Map

November 18, 2011 · 4:26 PM EST

The Department of Justice failed to pre-clear the Legislature’s new Congressional map, meaning a three-judge federal panel in San Antonio will draw the new district lines for the 2012 elections. Many observers now speculate that Democrats could secure three of the four new districts due to growth in the…

Olver Retirement Makes Massachusetts Map Easier

November 18, 2011 · 4:25 PM EST

Cong. John Olver (D) announced his retirement, making it easier to fit ten Democratic Members into nine seats, a necessity since the Bay State lost a district during reapportionment. Congs. Stephen Lynch and Bill Keating were drawn into the same district, but Keating quickly announced he’d run for the…

New Colorado Map Puts Coffman in Peril

November 18, 2011 · 4:24 PM EST

 A judge chose a Democratic map that suddenly puts GOP Cong. Mike Coffman (R) in electoral jeopardy. His 6th District dipped about eight points in GOP performance -- turning from a 61% Bush district in 2004 to a 53% Bush district. McCain received nearly 45% in the newly drawn…

House Overview: What’s In Play?

by Stuart Rothenberg November 15, 2011 · 9:34 AM EST

Aside from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s (Calif.) prediction to ABC News back in early June that her party had “a very good chance of winning the House,” national Democrats have been cautious about predicting a takeover next November.

That’s the way it should be, of course, given…

Maryland House: New Map Endangers Bartlett

November 4, 2011 · 11:54 AM EDT

Democrats passed a new congressional map that puts long-time Cong. Roscoe Bartlett’s (R) electoral career on life-support.

Early on it looked like Democrats would target freshman Cong. Andy Harris (R), but his Eastern Shore district looks safe. Meanwhile, Bartlett went from having a miniscule portion of Montgomery County,…

Nevada House: Democrats Could Win Three of Four Seats

November 4, 2011 · 11:53 AM EDT

A court finally drew a map after legislators couldn’tdecide on a compromise and Democrats should be pleased.

Nevada gained a seat during reapportionment and the new lines give Democrats an opportunity to win three of the state’s four seats.

Cong. Mark Amodei (R), who just won a…