Every 10 years the Census Bureau counts the population, and relative growth or decline can change how many House seats a state receives. States then redraw congressional and legislative districts. When lines are drawn to give one party a clear advantage, the practice is known as gerrymandering.
In Nevada, the Legislature draws both congressional and state legislative maps and enacts them as ordinary statutes, subject to the governor’s veto. After the 2020 census, a Democratic-controlled Legislature and Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak approved new Democrat-friendly maps in a short November 2021 special session. The Princeton Gerrymandering Project gave the congressional maps an “F” for partisan fairness. It favors Democrats and has produced a consistent 3-1 Democratic advantage in the U.S. House.
Nevada has no independent safeguard to limit gerrymandering or ensure fair representation. Multiple efforts to create an independent redistricting commission have failed. Even with nearly even statewide voter registration between Republicans and Democrats, Democrat-friendly districts and the presence of Independent American Party candidates have helped Democrats hold five of Nevada’s six total seats in Congress. They could take all six by winning the remaining House seat in Congressional District 2.
