2020 United States redistricting cycle
The 2020 United States redistricting cycle is in progress following the completion of the 2020 United States census. In all fifty states, various bodies are re-drawing state legislative districts. States that are apportioned more than one seat in the United States House of Representatives are also drawing new districts for that legislative body.
The rules for redistricting vary from state to state, but all states draw new legislative and congressional maps either in the state legislature, in redistricting commissions, or through some combination of the state legislature and a redistricting commission. Though various laws and court decisions have put constraints on redistricting, many redistricting institutions continue to practice gerrymandering, which involves drawing new districts with the intention of giving a political advantage to specific groups.[1] Political parties prepare for redistricting years in advance, and partisan control of redistricting institutions can provide a party with major advantages.[2] Aside from the possibility of mid-decade redistricting,[3] the districts drawn in the 2020 redistricting cycle will remain in effect until the next round of redistricting following the 2030 United States census.
Redistricting organizations and funds[edit]
Democrats were particularly unhappy with the results of the 2012 House elections in which Democratic House candidates received more votes than Republican House candidates, but Republicans retained control of the chamber.[142] Organizations such as the Democratic Governors Association and the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee have established funds dedicated to helping Democrats in the 2020 round of redistricting.[142][143] Democrats also established the National Democratic Redistricting Committee to coordinate Democratic redistricting efforts.[144] Republicans established a similar group, the National Republican Redistricting Trust.[145]