In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to reform Pennsylvania’s  redistricting process through a “draft-style” map drawing system.

Every ten years, following the census, states must redraw legislative boundaries. And every ten years, the process devolves into partisan conflict, accusations of gerrymandering, and costly litigation. Pennsylvania has experienced this firsthand. In 2018, our state Supreme Court invalidated the existing congressional map and imposed its own, underscoring the deeply political nature of redistricting.

The reality is simple: redistricting has always been political. While some proposals call for “independent” commissions, identifying individuals truly free from bias, or even the perception of it, is extremely difficult.

Rather than chasing the illusion of a politics-free process, this legislation offers a new approach, one grounded in transparency, balance, and competition. Modeled after a fantasy sports-style system, it allows both parties to participate in an orderly and structured map-drawing process.

Importantly, this proposal avoids the pitfalls seen in states like Texas, where redistricting has led to prolonged legal battles and widespread concerns over fairness. It also takes a different approach than Virginia’s model, ensuring Pennsylvania does not repeat the same challenges seen elsewhere.

Competitive districts strengthen our democracy. In safe districts, elections are often decided in primaries, encouraging candidates to appeal to the most partisan voices. A more competitive map fosters broader accountability and incentivizes candidates to engage with a wider range of voters.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this effort to create a more accountable and effective redistricting system.