2012 Cook Political Report Redistricting Outlook

Throughout the 2012 cycle, use the scorecard below to keep score of the number of seats each state will draw, who will draw them (gathered by the NCSL’s Tim Storey), each state’s ideal district population, and the number of seats we estimate each party will gain or lose in each state due to reapportionment and redistricting alone.

Because not all seats will be lopsided in favor of one party, not all estimates add up to whole numbers. For example, in Iowa, which is losing one seat and has a unique, depoliticized redistricting process, each party is at some risk and the creation of a competitive “fair fight” district is reflected in our estimate by each party losing “half a seat.”

Overall, Republicans have exclusive control of redistricting in 202 districts, Democrats hold authority in 47 districts, bipartisan or citizen commissions will draw 92 districts, control is divided in 87 districts, and seven districts are in At Large states that do not require redistricting.

Click on each state’s name below for a detailed redistricting preview, complete with a comprehensive analysis and our own maps illustrating possible new district lines. All maps are drawn by House Editor David Wasserman using 2009 Census estimates or 2010 Census data (as available) and a free browser-based application found at Dave Bradlee’s Redistricting App. Feedback welcome.

2012 Cook Political Report Redistricting Scorecard & Maps

Last Updated: February 2, 2012

* These states are At Large districts and do not require redistricting