The Republican Party of Arizona was able to celebrate the holidays knowing that we would not be facing a decade of non-competitive districts, minimal margins in the legislature, and for Pima County we were able to have seven legislative districts with some or all of the districts in the county. The Independent Redistricting Commission stuck with their plan and delivered final maps to the state on December 22nd. Pima County will have a competitive R+2.37 Congressional District (District 6) and a solid D+35.42 Congressional District (District 7). District 7 is a majority-minority district in which the racial minority group or groups comprise a majority of the district’s total population.
Breaking it Down
The Legislative map 16.1 was adopted by 3 (2 Republicans + Independent Chairwoman) to 2 (Democrats). According to former Pima County Chairman Bill Beard, “Bottom line we’re looking at 13 solid R districts, 5 competitive districts (R+3.8, R+3.42, R+1.56, R+3.62 and D+2.6) with 12 solid D districts.” The clock started on December 22nd and now the 15 counties have 7 business days to review the maps and make technical corrections like splits in apartment complexes, etc. After the counties complete the assessment, the analysts from the IRC have 7 business days to produce the polarization data that is required to comply with the Voting Rights Act and the various legal details. On January 17, 2022, the IRC will reconvene and vote to affirm the technical changes to the final maps. This will begin the legal battle. Congratulations to Pima County Republicans for their tenacity and perseverance during the redistricting process. We did not allow the bastardization that took place in 2011.
While the redistricting process is not complete yet, it is in the hands of the IRC and our attorneys moving forward. The Pima County Republican Party is planning for the standing up of new districts and dissolution of the old districts. We will keep everyone posted moving forward.
Moving Onward
As 2022 begins, let us begin January with resolve to win elections, and reflect on what we can do better for Pima County. January was named for the two-faced Roman god, Janus, who looks forward for new beginnings as well as backward for reflection and resolution. The Romans would offer sacrifices to Janus and make promises of good behavior for the year ahead. While we are not in the business of making sacrifices to gods, I want to take a moment to recognize the sacrifice(s) that our volunteers, Legislative District Officers, Precinct Committeemen, our candidates and their teams, and your Executive Committee members have made and will continue to make as we work to win back our county, keep our state, and save our country. Your time, talents, and treasures are greatly appreciated; the Republican Party in Pima County is what it is because of you and all the work you do.
Resolutions
In 1947 a Gallup Poll was conducted to determine what people were going to do for a New Year’s Resolution. Number 1 was “Improve my disposition, be more understanding, control my temper”. It’s been a difficult 21 COVID months, and I suspect that some of the mandates, lockdowns, layoffs, deaths, illnesses, and chaos have left many of us weary. It has me. So, I have selected that resolution and am adding one more: consideration of people’s feelings when speaking. While we resolve for 2022, my commitment to building a strong team, fundraising for the party, supporting our candidates, increasing the Republican base in Pima County and winning elections in November of 2022 are my goals. As you reflect on 2021 and look forward to new beginnings in 2022, I hope you will make being a part of our strong Pima County Republican team one of your goals and you will work with us to win elections. Join us for victory in 2022.
Happy New Year!