Virginia passes redistricting commision

[politicallefty]

This is a good thing. Gerrymandering is a crime against democracy anywhere.

I agree with this.

Apparently Virginia Dems like to handcuff themselves when they get power. Good luck winning the House next decade when Republicans gerrymander TX, GA, OH and NC while Democrats decide to restrain themselves. Idiots

TX, GA and NC is going to see massive Democratic gains in the state legislature over the next few years. There is also little room to gain via gerrymandering those states.

North Carolina isn't even a sure thing for Republicans. It seems quite likely that the state courts are going to go where Pennsylvania did last year or at least pretty close. As for Texas, I think Democrats should make a serious effort for the TX House next year. Democrats made huge gains last year and appear to be within striking distance. Even if they can't get the majority back just yet, a close enough margin could extract serious concessions for the post-2020 maps.

I'd imagine GA would likely be a status quo map. Republicans will likely shore up GA-07 by ceding GA-06.

The biggest problem for Democrats by far is Ohio. I think that is without question the strongest Republican gerrymander this decade. It remains to be seen how the so-called reform will go to restore at least a reasonably fair balance.

[politicallefty]

My favored strategy for the Democrats was to pass laws ending gerrymandering that get triggered once TX, OH, NC, etc. end gerrymandering. That way you still keep the moral high ground without unilaterally disarming. Of course, Democrats would rather unilaterally disarm since it is what they do best.

I agree. I've always been against unilateral disarmament on this issue. I'd prefer states adopt the California model for redistricting. It prevents either side from gerrymandering and also disregards incumbency.

NC looks like it might be changing on account of the state courts. Ohio could be changed through ballot initiative, but reform efforts seem to have given up and it seems doubtful the half-measure will have any meaningful changes. I'm guessing Dems get the Cincinnati seat, but that might be it.