The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has rejected all legal challenges filed concerning a new map for state house and senate districts, clearing a path for the maps to be used for the upcoming primary and general elections. The maps were changed to reflect the population charges in the 2020 census.
Reports say that the state Supreme Court justices rejected the challenges to the maps created by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission, which initially approved the map by a 4-1 vote. House Republican Leader Kerry Benninghoff of Centre County voted against the map at that time, saying the map was the result of “deliberate racial and political gerrymandering” and that it diluted the voting power of minority groups.
Our area would be affected in a few ways. First off, the northern border between the 62nd District currently served by Jim Struzzi and the 66th district served by Brian Smith would be affected. Struzzi would serve 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.
Smith’s district would include 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.
In the PA Senate, Joe Pittman would have all of Indiana and Armstrong Counties, the southern portion of Jefferson County, and parts of Westmoreland County that border Indiana and Armstrong Counties, but he would lose a portion of Butler County that he serves currently.
The judges also modified the elections calendar, allowing candidates to start collecting signatures on Friday. That collection period will only last ten days, ending on March 28th. Pennsylvania’s Primary Election will be held on May 17th.
