Represent PA Breakfast Briefing: Why PA Needs Independent Redistricting

On Thursday August 21, Represent PA hosted Carol Kuniholm, Chair of Fair Districts PA and State Representative Christina Sappey (HD-158, Chester County) and discussed how we could end gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. Why are we talking about this now? Yes, it’s all over the news. But for us, it’s not what you think it is. Pennsylvania cannot redistrict the way Texas and California are right now. Redistricting has to go through our PA Supreme Court first. And that’s why our November judicial retention elections are so incredibly important (more on Judicial Retention Elections in our upcoming September 8th briefing-link to rsvp)—they are our protection against rogue lawmakers. PA is the most populous swing state in the country, which makes it a top target for redistricting. Independence v. bias: Research shows that Independent Redistricting Commissions (IRCs) can prevent gerrymandering and provide better representation. An IRC in Pennsylvania would redraw congressional, PA House and Senate districts, streamlining two separate processes into one. Currently Senate Bill 131 and House Bill 31 propose the creation of an IRC in PA. However, these bills must pass both chambers for two sessions – 2025-2026 and 2027-2028 – to be approved and written into the Pennsylvania Constitution in time for the next census and redistricting process beginning in 2030. Without this change, politics and influence will dictate our maps. Importance of November judicial retention votes: Remember, fair district maps don’t come from lawmakers alone, they come from checks and balances. Legislators previously drew maps that split Montgomery County into five separate districts. Our judicial branch has stepped in time and again to stop partisan gerrymandering and ensure maps reflect constitutional principles of fairness, but not without advocates suing our general assembly. Just look at the slide below. This is why we need everyone to vote YES to retain the three PA Supreme Court Judges who are on the ballot this November. Take action: The courts can’t do it alone. Voters must demand that district lines serve the people who live in them, not the politicians who draw them. Remember, our state Senate has been majority Republican since 1995 – 30 years! But we know that when Pennsylvanians stay engaged and hold lawmakers accountable, we protect our democracy and ensure every community has a real voice at the ballot box. The current legislative session ends on November 30, 2026. We need to act now! Sign the petition for an IRC here fixharrisburg.com. With your help we can fix Harrisburg and flip the Senate blue!