A second draft map for how Georgia should reapportion districts for U.S. Congress was released Oct. 21 by the Georgia House and Senate Caucuses.
Democrats said their proposal more accurately reflects the growing diversity in Georgia. The state has 14 congressional districts; eight with Republican representatives and six where Democrats have been elected. The proposal would shift that to a seven-seven split.
It would be accomplished by moving the 10th Congressional District, currently represented by Congressman Jody Hice (R-GA10). It would move out of east-central Georgia and would instead represent Cobb, Fulton and Douglas counties. The 9th Congressional District would shift to include most of the current 10th District.
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Democratic spokespeople say putting seven districts covering metro Atlanta will also more accurately reflect population trends. The party said more than half of all Georgians live in the Atlanta area.
“Georgia has changed significantly over the last decade, and our proposed congressional map reflects that growth. We are proud to have collaborated with Georgia House and Senate Democrats to devise a congressional map that recognizes Georgia’s rich diversity and evolving political landscape,” said Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA2).
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“Georgia Democrats have spent the past several months engaging with the public on the redistricting process, and this proposal is a culmination of those extensive conversations. This map reflects what the people of Georgia have said is important to them – fairness, transparency, inclusivity, and integrity,” said State Representative James Beverly, House Minority Leader.
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In September, Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and state Sen. John F. Kennedy, chairman of the Senate Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee, released a map showing tentative new Congressional districts. The map does not include state House or Senate districts or possible lines for local municipalities or school boards.
As drawn, this draft includes major changes for east-central Georgia’s District 10 and District 12 seats, currently held by Hice and Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA12) respectively.
Currently, District 12 covers Richmond County and all or parts of 18 other counties. The draft map changes that to all or parts of 23 counties. Among the biggest changes is the draft map puts all of Columbia County, a Republican majority county, in District 12. It is currently divided between the 12th and 10th districts.
In releasing the map, Duncan said, “It is clear that this map not only meets principles of redistricting, but we are proud to present a map that regardless of political party, Georgians can be proud of. Ensuring that any maps we produce are fair, compact, and keep communities of interest together, will continue to be of upmost importance.”
Gov. Brian Kemp set Nov. 3 for a special session of the Georgia Legislature to finalize Congressional districts as well as those for the state House and Senate.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
