Let the Gerrymandering Season Begin!
Whenever a new Census completes, population shifts between states become reflected in changes in number of seats. With the 2020 Census now in the books a total of seven seats will move, affecting thirteen different states.
The map above shows where those shifts will occur, with the Rust Belt taking the brunt of the losses. New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and West Virginia will each lose a seat, as will California. Texas will gain two seats, while Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Oregon and Montana each add one.
On the surface, the net changes appear to offer a slight advantage to Republicans. Five of the seven gained seats land in states won by Donald Trump in 2020. And, six of the seven losses are in traditional blue states.
All of these states obviously must redraw their districts, but most others will, as well. Fresh435 will keep you posted on news related to these changes. Also, watch in the coming weeks for us to take a shot at drawing the maps ourselves.
