Federal court redistricting ruling shakes up Washington State legislative districts, faces Republican criticism

Redistricting should prioritize fairness and adhere to non-partisan principles while following constitutional and Voting Rights Act requirements. However, in this case, the district court's actions seem to contradict these principles. The extensive changes to legislative maps appear to prioritize partisan interests over fairness. It is imperative that our electoral processes promote fairness for all constituents.”

Senate Republican Leader John Braun and House Republican Deputy Leader Mike Steele

OLYMPIA – In a development impacting Washington State politics, the Ninth Circuit Court has dismissed an emergency motion to stay a federal court decision regarding legislative district boundaries in Central Washington. According to a March 15 mandate from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, this move paves the way for immediate changes to the state's legislative districts.

The controversy stems from a lawsuit, Palmer v. Hobbs, which led to a directive from the district court to redraw district maps, specifically citing violations of the Voting Rights Act. Judge Robert Lasnik's ruling last August highlighted discriminatory practices against Latino voters, prompting a reevaluation of district boundaries established in 2021. The redrawn maps notably displace five Republican legislators, including Latina State Senator Nikki Torres, without affecting any Democratic lawmakers.

The redistricting efforts focus primarily on districts 14 and 15 in Central Washington, where significant changes are expected to alter the political landscape. The Ninth Circuit's refusal to grant a stay means these adjustments will be enforced in time for the 2024 election cycle.

Republican State Senate and House leaders have expressed frustration and concern over the decisions. Senate Republican Leader John Braun and House Republican Deputy Leader Mike Steele expressed profound disappointment with the Ninth Circuit Court's dismissal. They argue that the redrawn maps compromise the political representation of Latino voters in the Yakima Valley rather than enhance it. Particularly contentious is the relocation of Senator Torres, the first-ever Latina senator in Central Washington, out of her district.

The Republican leaders assert that the new maps contravene the principles of fairness and non-partisanship that are supposed to underpin redistricting efforts. They argue that the changes appear to favor partisan interests over equitable representation and call for the matter to be escalated to the United States Supreme Court.

"We are profoundly disappointed by the Ninth Circuit Court's decision on the emergency motion to delay these district changes." Braun and Steele stated in a joint press release. "What's even more troubling is the district court's decision on March 15 to alter these maps doesn't seem to address the claimed core issue, namely the dilution of the political voice of the Latino electorate in the Yakima Valley. The new map results in fewer eligible Latino voters in the area and moves their elected representative, the first-ever Latina senator in Central Washington, entirely out of their district.

Braun and Steel continued, "Federal Judge Lasnik's new maps turn the principles of the federal Voting Rights Act upside down, and it should be appealed all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Redistricting should prioritize fairness and adhere to non-partisan principles while following constitutional and Voting Rights Act requirements. However, in this case, the district court's actions seem to contradict these principles. The extensive changes to legislative maps appear to prioritize partisan interests over fairness. It is imperative that our electoral processes promote fairness for all constituents. We believe these district map changes fail to meet that standard."

The recent court rulings underscore the complexities and controversies surrounding redistricting, particularly when it intersects with the imperatives of the Voting Rights Act and the political dynamics of state legislature compositions. As these new maps take effect, the discussions and debates they spark will likely influence Washington State politics for years to come.