The proposed new legislative map approved as a “starting point” for Pennsylvania makes changes in every district, including the two primary districts serving Indiana County.
In fact, the 62nd District and the 66th District would be the only two districts in the county. The Indiana County municipalities currently serving by the 59th and 60th would be absorbed into the 62nd. Representatives Jim Struzzi and Brian Smith are the current legislators in the 62nd and 66th.
As proposed, the 62nd would consist of Armstrong, Blacklick, Brush Valley, Buffington, Burrell, Center, Cherryhill, Conemaugh, East Wheatfield, Pine, Washington, West Wheatfield, White, and Young townships and the boroughs of Armagh, Blairsville, Clymer, Creekside, Homer City, Indiana, Saltsburg and Shelocta. The total population according to the 2020 Census is 64,920.
The 66th district would be comprised of Banks, Canoe, East Mahoning, Grant, Green, Montgomery, North Mahoning, Rayne, South Mahoning and West Mahoning townships and the boroughs of Cherry Tree, Ernest, Glen Campbell, Marion Center, Plumville and Smicksburg; plus all of Jefferson County. Its total population is 62,378. and
The map is by no means final. The early part of the year, at least, is going to feature a battle between parties opposed to the map, which was approved December 16th by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission. Republicans accuse the commission of “extreme Democrat gerrymandering” and several citizens groups have threatened court action.
Acting Secretary of State Veronica Degraffenreid says the timing of the redistricting schedule may force the Spring Primary to be delayed from its May 17th date.
