UPDATE: Proposed Districts Give Andover Two Seats in Congress

The state today released a map showing proposed changes to the legislative districts in the state that would put in Andover in two different congressional districts. Since the 2000 US Census, Andover has been represented solely by Niki Tsongas, D-Lowell.

This would ultimately mean that Andover would have two representatives in US Congress, congressman John Tierney, D-Salem, and congresswoman Niki Tsongas.

Following the release of 2010 US Census numbers, the state has been making changes to both state and federal legislative districts to align with new population statistics.

Teirney released a statement about the proposed changes.

“The Special Joint Committee on Redistricting had a difficult job to do and it is gratifying to learn that they were responsive to the many people who attended their public hearing and sent in communications asking that the existing 6th district communities be kept together," said Tierney, in a statement released to Patch. "The commonality of interests, shared experiences, contiguous boundaries and the area's history made a compelling case for why the district is too important to separate and everyone who helped present that case can be proud of these successful efforts.

"The residents of Billerica, Tewksbury and a part of Andover will recognize a lot of commonality with other Sixth District communities. I look forward to becoming acquainted with new neighbors, meeting with existing friends there, and listening to people's concerns and ideas. I thank the State Legislators for their hard work,”  Tierney added.

Tsongas also provided comments on the proposed redistricting and said she had pushed to preserve the core of the district.

“Throughout this process, I advocated for the Fifth Congressional District to be preserved to the greatest extent possible given its shared history, communities of interest, and geography," said Tsongas. "The map released today maintains the core of this District and ensures that these cities and towns will remain a cohesive and integral part of the District. 

“I am excited to welcome several new cities and towns into the District which share many of the same characteristics that have traditionally united the communities I currently represent.  I hope to have the honor of representing them in Congress and will be making every effort to introduce myself to residents of these communities in the year ahead.  This District is also strengthened today by the inclusion of several other communities that have historically been part of its makeup," Tsongas added.

Congressional and legislative districts are adjusted every 10 years based on the latest U.S. Census data. Because Massachusetts had a significant population drop between 2000 and 2010, it was forced to reduce its congressional districts from 10 to nine.

If approved by the full Legislature as expected, the changes will go into effect as of Jan. 1, 2013.

Attached is a image of the new congressional districts.

State Districts 

Proposed state legislative districts would leave Andover representated by the 17th and 18th house district. However, the change in district lines moved current 17th Essex District representative Paul Adams into the 18th district, occupied by Rep. Jim Lyons, D-Andover. However, Adams decided to move in order to stay in the 17th Essex District.