RNC Redistricting Program Underpins GOP Success in U.S. House and State Legislatures.
Judging by the results of last month’s general election, The GOP was singularly successful in
both the congressional and legislative elections. In the face of the Democrats’ holding on to the
Presidency, as well as their majority in the U.S. Senate, the GOP was left decisively in control of
the U.S. House and retained control of many legislative chambers, particularly in the South and
Midwest. Many of the legislative chambers gained in 2010 remain solidly in GOP hands today.
Certainly a major component of the Republican Party’s success was due to this decades
redistricting effort in which the RNC, in partnership with the SGLF, was a major player.
Beginning in 2009, the RNC’s redistricting staff began preparing GOP redistricting stakeholders
for this once-a-decade process. The effort began with a survey of personnel and assets in each
state – identifying key players. Baseline visits were made to key states, ascertaining the level of
readiness in these states, and encouraging each state to begin preparing databases, selecting
computer hardware and software, and training technical and political personnel.
The RNC’s Office of the Chief Counsel spearheaded a program to prepare attorneys and
legislative leadership in the current state of redistricting law, and to recommend strategies for
successful legal efforts tailored to each state. The RNC has offered legal counseling throughout
the process and is still heavily involved in ongoing redistricting litigation.
In May of 2010 the RNC hosted two-day redistricting conference drawing over 275 participants
from across the nations, who were taught by an impressive faculty of experts covering all aspects
of redistricting.
As we head into 2013, the redistricting process is still underway. A number of states are still
involved in the line-drawing process or in litigations challenging or defending plans. A brief
summary of individual states follows:
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Arizona – Arizona has a major lawsuit in progress challenging the constitutionality of its
legislative districts. This case is being heavily supported by RNC resources and
personnel.
Montana – The RNC has been providing the GOP stakeholders with database support
throughout their redistricting process, which is still ongoing.
Texas – Both Texas’ congressional and legislative maps were thrown out by a threejudge panel in Washington D.C. An appeal is pending to the Supreme Court. It is likely
that all three maps will be redrawn either by the court or the state legislature. RNC
personnel will, most likely, be involved.
Kansas – It is likely that the maps drawn by a court for the 2012 elections will be redrawn
this year. The RNC personnel are already supporting this effort.

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Minnesota – Since the Democrats are now in control of the Legislature, it is possible that
the Democrats may decide to replace the maps drawn by the courts with legislatively
enacted plans. Minnesota has always requested RNC support.
Florida – Florida’s congressional plan is under challenge with some involvement by the
RNC being expected. We may already have to testify in the litigation.
Tennessee – Tennessee’s senatorial map is being challenged by the Democrats and RNC
personnel are assisting in that legal defense.
Kentucky – Kentucky held elections for their state house under the old lines and will be
redrafting this year. The RNC personnel will be assisting on both the legal and technical
fronts.
North Carolina – North Carolina’s congressional and legislative maps are being
challenged by the Democrats. This is key state for the GOP, especially in terms of the
congressional redistricting where 3 seats were gained and one more gain being possible
in 2014.
Virginia – There is a good chance that the Virginia Senate map drawn by the Democrats
will be redrawn now that the GOP controls the Senate. We will assist in that effort.
Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania has already requested assistance in the litigation regarding
their legislative maps for the 2014 election.
New York – The GOP lost partisan control of the Senate in 2012, although some
Democrats have formed a coalition with the GOP to allow the GOP President of the
Senate to maintain control. It is still possible, however, that the enacted Senate map may
be replaced as well as the court-drawn congressional map.
Maine – The GOP, having passed up the opportunity to draw the legislative lines when
the controlled both chambers, are now facing the possibility of a hostile draw by the
Democrats this year. They will now need assistance.

We must also remain vigilant for cases, which can arise from a variety jurisdictions, that may
establish important precedence during the decade which could have an immediate or future
impact, such as Larios v. Cox, Bartlett v. Strickland, and NAMUDNO from last cycle. It is
important that we maintain the resources to monitor, advise and respond to such cases.