New Preliminary State Senate and House Maps Released

The proposed new PA senate map (above) and the preliminary PA House map (below). Public input is welcome and can be submitted through the link at the end of this article.

Edited from Submitted Materials

Every 10 years, state legislative districts need to be redrawn to reflect changes in population. On December 16th, Pennsylvania’s preliminary maps were released.

These districts are drawn by the bipartisan Legislative Reapportionment Commission which consists of the Republican and Democratic leaders of the state legislature and a “neutral” chairperson. Once approved by the commission, neither the legislature nor the governor can vote to approve or reject the final maps. The maps have been challenged in the courts in the past and will likely be challenged again this year.

The Senate map was approved by a vote of 5-0. The House map, which is much more controversial, was approved by a 3-2 vote.

Under the proposed Senate map, Tioga County would be added to the 23rd Senatorial District, and the western half of Susquehanna County, which Sen. Gene Yaw currently represents, would no longer be in his District. Susquehanna County would be entirely represented by Sen. Lisa Baker.

The other House districts for Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties will also see significant changes if this proposal is finalized. Wyoming County, which is currently part of the 117th legislative district and served by Rep. Karen Boback, would become part of the 110th District, currently served by Rep. Tina Pickett.

From December 16th, the public has 30 days to review the maps and submit comments to the Legislative Reapportionment Commission. After the public comment period, the Commission will issue its final maps. Visit this link to view the full maps and share your thoughts.

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