Redistricting News & Analysis

In Florida: Anger, Confusion, Musical Chairs

by Stuart Rothenberg February 8, 2012 · 9:24 AM EST

There is plenty of evidence that the political discourse in this country has degenerated into the gutter. But anger, hatred, name-calling and political musical chairs all at the same time? Welcome to the soap opera that is Southeast Florida.

Last week, freshman Republican Rep. Allen West, a favorite…

Tar Heel Blues Continue For Democrats

by Jessica Taylor February 3, 2012 · 9:51 AM EST

It’s a rough time to be a North Carolina Democrat.

In the span of just a week, the party’s seen Gov. Bev Perdue choose retirement over a competitive reelection she was likely to lose, Rep. Brad Miller headed for the exits rather than face Rep. David Price in…

Florida Map Coming Into Focus

by Jessica Taylor February 1, 2012 · 4:41 PM EST

As Florida Republicans approach a compromise on redistricting, a game of musical chairs between GOP Reps. Allen West and Tom Rooney could potentially save one of the most endangered members of Congress.

With Rooney announcing he’ll run in the solidly Republican 17th District, which includes about 40 percent…

The Civil Wars

by Jessica Taylor January 27, 2012 · 1:59 PM EST


The decennial knife-fight known as redistricting is poised to claim more victims in 2012 intraparty squabbles than ten years ago, and it’s Democrats who will have more member-member primary fights on their hands than their GOP counterparts.

Republicans, overall, have done a better job at avoiding…

Ohio House Primaries: Can’t We All Just Get Along?

by Nathan L. Gonzales January 27, 2012 · 1:58 PM EST

Republicans hit some bumps in the road on their way to implementing their redistricting map, putting the primary date in danger of being moved. But a deal with some Democrats in the legislature preserved much of the Republicans’ plan and in time to save the March 6 primary.

Illinois House Primaries: Don’t Take This Personally

by Nathan L. Gonzales January 27, 2012 · 1:56 PM EST

Democrats maximized their opportunity to draw the new congressional map, but they couldn’t avoid a couple competitive primaries.

In the 2nd District, Cong. Jesse Jackson Jr. faces a former colleague, Debbie Halvorson, in the March 20 Democratic primary in a redrawn district that stretches well outside of his…

Alabama House Primaries: Please Forgive Me

by Nathan L. Gonzales January 27, 2012 · 1:56 PM EST

Spencer Bachus (R) has been in Congress for ten terms. Mo Brooks (R) hasn’t been there much longer than ten months. But both men could face serious challenges as Republican voters in Alabama gear up for the March 13 primary.

Neither Bachus’ 6th District nor Brooks’ 5th District…

Mississippi House Primaries: No Pardon for Nunnelee

by Nathan L. Gonzales January 27, 2012 · 1:55 PM EST

Mississippi hosted two competitive House races last cycle when Republicans Alan Nunnelee and Steven Palazzo knocked off incumbents. This cycle, the best action in the Magnolia State will likely be in the March primaries instead of November.

At one point, Nunnelee, Palazzo, and Bennie Thompson (D) looked like…

Giffords Resignation Sets Up Likely Competitive Special Election

by Jessica Taylor January 22, 2012 · 3:48 PM EST

Cong. Gabrielle Giffords announced in a video message Sunday she would resign from Congress this week to focus on her ongoing recovery after an assassination attempt on her life last January.

Giffords has been ever the picture of inspiration and poise, to both Republicans and Democrats,…

Virginia Redistricting: Making the “Ins” Further “In”

by Stuart Rothenberg January 20, 2012 · 3:10 PM EST

Virginia’s new congressional districts don’t dramatically alter the partisanship of many districts, but the lines do solidify incumbents from both parties.

Democrat Gerry Connolly’s 11th District becomes about five points more Democratic, making his already Democratic-leaning district safe for him and for his party. Republican presidential candidate John…