“Gerrymandering is a plague on democracy”

Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-CA) on Monday criticized the mid-decade redistricting battle unfolding across the country, with Democrats and Republicans each working to redraw congressional maps ahead of the November midterms.

“This entire redistricting war has been a total disaster for our country,” he said on the House floor. “What’s more, it has been utterly pointless. As was predicted, neither side is really going to come out ahead. Every side has lost.”

The war began in Texas last summer after President Trump directed the state to redraw its maps mid-decade, a move that could create as many as five new Republican-leaning seats.

California followed suit, creating five new Democratic-leaning districts, including Rep. Kiley’s seat, prompting him to change his party affiliation from Republican to independent.

Other states have joined in, including Virginia last week, when voters approved a new map that could lead to Democrats picking up four seats. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Monday unveiled a proposal that could give Republicans four additional seats.

“Gerrymandering is a plague on democracy, and it’s well past time the United States moves past it and ensures fair elections and representation for every citizen in our country,” Rep. Kiley said.

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