New District Lines Bring Opportunities
By Bay Area GOP
The California Citizens Redistricting Commission submitted new lines for Congressional, State Senate, Assembly and Board of Equalization districts by the Constitutionally mandated deadline of December 27.
New district lines bring both change and opportunity for Bay Area Republicans. Here are some of the more significant changes to district lines and representation in the greater Bay Area.
• The new Congressional District 18 now has a 50.5% Latino Citizen Voting Age Population (CVAP) and extends from San Jose to King City in Southern Monterey County. It includes all of San Benito County. This poses an interesting question for incumbent Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren: Will she run for re-election in a district designed to increase Latino representation in Congress? Accustomed to wielding the power of the majority, will she want to serve in Congress during the predicted Republican majority? At the age of 74 will she consider retirement?
• Republican Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham still has the heart of his old district – San Luis Obispo County. But he has gained area along the Monterey Coast and lost area in Northern Santa Barbara County. Republican registration has declined in the new district from what was already a competitive district under the old lines. But this could be a wave election for Republicans. Stay tuned.
• San Mateo County was split into Northern and Southern areas under the old Congressional and Assembly districts. The new districts divide San Mateo County into Pacific Coast and Bayside districts giving both a new look. Democrat Congresswoman Jackie Speier’s retirement provides an opportunity for change in the Congressional Delegation from San Mateo County.
• Sunnyvale, Santa Clara County’s second largest city, now has its own Assembly district. The district also includes Santa Clara, Cupertino and a portion of San Jose. While no incumbent currently lives in this district, Democrat Assemblyman Evan Low has announced that he will move into this district and run. Is there a home grown Republican who can challenge him?
• In the North Bay, Assemblyman Jim Frazier’s retirement provides an open seat in Solano and Contra Costa Counties. In the East Bay Assemblyman Bill Quirk has announced he will not run for re-election. Could these be opportunities for new Republican challengers?
You can check out the final district lines by clicking on the District Viewer in the blue box below. Please visit BayAreaGOP.com for more information on Bay Area politics and races. We look forward to highlighting some of the Republican candidates and campaigns in the coming months.