Michigan adopts congressional map that pits two incumbent Democrats against each other

[AZProgressive]

The redistricting commission for Michigan adopted new congressional districts on Tuesday, a move that will have a significant impact on next year's midterm elections.

Democratic Reps. Andy Levin and Haley Stevens will both run in the same newly redrawn district. Other incumbents could also face one another, but some, including Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), plan to move districts to avoid such a battle. Dingell would otherwise potentially face Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D), The Detroit Free Press reported.

Members of Congress do not have to live in the district that they represent, though most do reside in their districts to avoid an opponent's criticism in elections.

Michigan currently has seven Democratic and seven Republican representatives in its congressional delegation.

https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/587564-michigan-adopts-congressional-map-that-pits-two-incumbent-democrats

[AZSkiffyGeek]

1. I thought I saw earlier

That the new map is 8-6 Dem.

[SergeStorms]

2. Doesn't look like any incumbent republicans...

face the same dilemma.

And it eliminates two majority Black districts?

And this was a bipartisan decision?

[demmiblue]

5. The 4th district pits two incumbent Rs against each other: Huzienga and Upton.

Interactive map here:

https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/congressional-map-adopted-michigan-panel-gives-democrats-7-6-edge

The new map creates three open seats and a handful where incumbents would have to face each other or run in different districts.

The 12th District that goes from Dearborn to north of Southfield, is now home to both Reps. Brenda Lawrence, D-Southfield, and Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn.

The 8th District, which includes Flint, Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City, is now home to Reps. Dan Kildee, D-Flint, and John Moolenaar, R-Midland.

The 4th District, which includes Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and Holland will have Reps. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, and Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland.

The 9th District, which includes most of the Thumb, will have Reps. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, and Lisa McClain, R-Bruce Township as incumbents.

[roamer65]

6. Debbie needs to move to the 6th district.

It will be a wide open race and will favor a Democrat.

[demmiblue]

7. ...

Link to tweet

[SergeStorms]

10. Thanks for that, demmiblue.

I didn't see that in the original article.

I'm glad it's not the usual republican redistricting and gerrymandering escapade.

[RandySF]

3. Two Republicans as well.

[ibegurpard]

4. Oh well

From what I understand it is potentially a better overall map for electing more Democrats than the current one. That is far more preferable than protecting incumbents.

[Amishman]

8. yeah at a quick glance the map seems pretty reasonable

Even in fair redistricting, things will sometimes go against us, because sometimes reality goes against us

[Johnny2X2X]

9. It's a better map for Dems

And the state senate districts are even better for Dems. The old map was heavily gerrymandered for Reps. It will be a close map, but this prevented Reps from cementing a 9-4 advantage. Will be 7-6 going forward either way or maybe 8-5 Dems.

This new map is great news.