Centrist Dems seek transparency in state redistricting efforts

Several states will begin redistricting processes in the coming months. The 2010 Census revealed shifts in populations throughout the U.S. that will add congressional seats to some states, and take away from others.

For example, Texas will gain four seats, Florida two seats, and several other states in the South and West will gain one seat each. New York and Ohio will each lose two seats, and others, like Massachusetts and New Jersey, will lose one seat.

Several members of the New Democratic Coalition support the bill, as do several centrist Democrats who have voted with Republicans on healthcare repeal, such as Reps. Jim Matheson (Utah), Dennis Cardoza (Calif.), Dan Boren (Okla.), Heath Shuler (N.C.) and Mike Ross (Ark.).

Cooper added that he would co-sponsor the Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act (H.R. 453), which would require each state to establish an independent redistricting commission to redraw congressional districts, and ensure that the commission adheres to certain principles when doing so. Shuler will be the primary sponsor of that bill.