Gerry-meandering: Why the outcome of Pa.’s 2018 midterms was about more than a map
Why a new analysis finds Pa. Democrats would have made gains even under the state's old congressional map, which had been ruled a partisan gerrymander.
Listen 15:29
In this map showing the results of 2018 election, blue indicates congressional districts that went to Democrats and red shows districts that went to republicans. (Keystone Crossroads)
One year ago, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the state’s congressional map was an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander. The court said Republicans drew the map to gain an unfair advantage in a state where there are about 1 million more Democratic voters than Republican. With a newly redrawn map, people thought Democratic candidates would make big gains in the 2018 midterm elections. They did. But on this episode of The Why, Keystone Crossroads’ Kevin McCorry and Emily Previti break down a new analysis showing why the map wasn’t the only reason.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by The Why
The Why
There’s more to every story if you take the time to tell it.
Pennsylvania redistricting panel enters final stretch to complete House, Senate maps
The chair of the committee in charge of drawing the legislative maps said it will be “challenging” to finish them in under 30 days.
3 years ago
The (arcane, unlikely) doomsday redistricting law looming over Pennsylvania’s map impasse
It’s a vision of election overload that would undercut Pennsylvania’s proportional, local representation in Washington, D.C.
3 years ago
How to weigh in on Pennsylvania’s next legislative maps
The Legislative Reapportionment Commission will hold four meetings the week of Jan. 3 to accept feedback on the maps, both in person and virtually.
3 years ago