New Oregon Redistricting Maps Challenged In Court By Republicans

BEAVERTON, OR — For members of the Oregon Legislature, passing the new redistricting maps this year had been a high wire exercise in which one misstep would have resulted in the make up of their districts falling under control of a panel of retired judges. Turns out, judges will still play a role.

Four prominent former Republican officials sued to have the new districts declared unconstitutional.—

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Former House speaker Larry Campbell, former Dalles mayor James Wilcox, former House Republican leader Gary Wilhelms, and former Secretary of State Bev Clarno say that the lines drawn by the Democrats are gerrymandered and complicate "their ability vote and campaign fo congressional candidates who share their views in issues such as gun rights, transportation, and water rights."

The suit also points to the fact that four of the six districts contain parts of Portland.

The new maps were required after the 2020 Census found that Oregon's population grew enough over the past ten years to require a sixth Congressional District be added.

While the Democrats control both houses in the Oregon Legislature, they don't have enough seats in either to not need Republicans to at least be present so there will be a quorum.

The Republicans walked out this year and only returned a few hours before a court mandated deadline that said, if the new maps weren't adopted, they would be drawn by a panel of retired judges.