White, male Democrats dominate redistricting pool

Martin Wisckol
June 22, 2010

The 620 semi-finalists for the California Citizens Redistricting Commission are disproportionately white, male and Democrat, according to an analysis by Vladimir Kogan, who is among commission applicants and is a research fellow at Stanford University.

That’s not so surprising when you consider that the initial applicant pool of some 5,000 was skewed the same way, as I wrote in this item in January.

The state’s applicant review panel will likely arrive at a more representative final selection, although the only demographic requirements are that the 14-member commission include five Republicans, five Democrats and four third-party and decline-to-state voters.

The 2010 census is expected to lead to more competitive, less partisan districts for state legislators because the post-census job of redrawing district lines has been taken from the Legislature and given to an independent panel. The lines will be redrawn for the 2012 election.

If a November ballot measure passes, the commission would also be tasked with drawing up congressional lines. However, there is a movement afoot – backed by current officeholders – to put a measure on the ballot to eliminate the commission. Read about that here.

If none of the three members of the applicant review panel found an applicant among the most qualified, that applicant was cut. Here’s a list of the auditors’ comments on those who didn’t make the first cut.

Race
American Indian
1.1%

Asian
8.3%

Black
9.1%

Latino
10.1%

Pacific Islander
0.2%

White
67.6%

Other
3.5%

Party
Republican
28.9%

Democrat
53.3%

Decline to State
14.6%

Other
3.2%

GENDER
Male 63.2%
Female 36.8%

Income
Under $35,000
6.4%

$35,000-$74,999
18.5%

$75,000-$124,999
35.6%

$125,000-$250,000
31.6%

Over $250,000
7.9%

Race
American Indian
1.1%

Asian
8.3%

Black
9.1%

Latino
10.1%

Pacific Islander
0.2%

White
67.6%