Call 2022 the year of redistricting.
Political maps redrawn based on 2020 Census data are being tested across the country. On Tuesday, Texas held its first primary of the year, reshaped by these new county lines.
If you’re unfamiliar with the redistricting process, here’s a reminder before I dive into how this will affect California:
Every 10 years, states use the latest census data to determine the political districts used to elect members of Congress and state legislators. The goal is to adjust the maps based on population movements so that the number of people in each area stays the same.
Here in California, the 14-member independent commission responsible for compiling the maps completed them in December. The changes come into effect with the June 2022 state primaries.
The new borders changed the fortunes of many California politicians and moved hundreds of thousands of voters to new counties.
If you’re wondering if your county has changed, this CalMatters tool makes it easy for you to find out. (I found out I live in Los Angeles in the new congressional, state assembly, and state senate districts.)
California lost its seat in the House of Representatives for the first time due to a slowdown in population growth, according to the census. The maps show that the loss of congressional representation was achieved by effectively eliminating the seat in the Los Angeles area.
The new counties give Hispanics far more voting rights in California than before, bringing Hispanic-majority counties to 30 percent. This could help Democrats defend their narrow majority in the US House of Representatives in the 2022 midterm elections, but not necessarily.
As for more local politics, the redrawn lines appear to have prompted an unusually large number of state legislators to decide to resign or look for other jobs. Some politicians are now in districts that are less likely to win, otherwise they would have to run against people from their party in order to maintain their positions.
There are countless ramifications here, and they will likely play out for years. The new maps will act to shape the state’s political landscape for the next decade.
For more:
If you read one story, do it
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a defining moment for some of the world’s biggest tech companies.
Where are we going
Today’s advice comes from Louis Lebhertz, who lives in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Louis recommends Point Lobos near Monterey:
“I lived all over California for many years. Having worked for years as an opera singer, I have toured extensively in the US and Canada. I would not live anywhere but California, even with its shortcomings.
My favorite place can be found north of Big Sur and south of Carmel. This is Point Lobos. Here you can be alone, walking through this national reserve along its many well-groomed trails. Wildflowers are impressive in spring. Breaking surf on the north side; the calm, otter-filled south side; and many seals and sea lions with their constant barking at the westernmost point again and again call me back.
Tell us about your favorite places to visit in California. Send your suggestions to [email protected]. We will report more in future editions of the newsletter.