Pennsylvania Supreme Court orders redrawing of congressional map that 'plainly and palpably' favors GOP

(Image credit: William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)

published 22 January 2018

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ordered a redrawing of all 18 of the state's congressional districts for 2018 after finding gerrymandering that "plainly and palpably" benefited Republicans. "It's likely to cost the GOP a seat and undermine their position in others," wrote The New York Times' Nate Cohn.

The state legislature, which is Republican-controlled, has until Feb. 9 to approve a replacement map, which must also be approved by the Democratic-majority court and Democratic governor, The Associated Press writes. "Otherwise, the justices say they will adopt a plan in an effort to keep the May 15 primary election on track."

"Not only does a new, fair Pennsylvania map likely create 4-5 Dem leaning districts, it disrupts constituencies of Rep incumbents, erasing their incumbency advantage and making them more vulnerable in a Dem wave election," tweeted Michael McDonald, a University of Florida professor specializing in American elections. Although the Supreme Court could theoretically intervene, many experts don't see it as likely: "This is a state court decision that rests on state, not federal, law," added McDonald.

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.

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