Newsletter - May 2026

In last November's newsletter, I introduced the concept of reforming the Congressional redistricting process by adopting race-neutral and party-neutral redistricting principles. With such an approach, I believe that we can produce fairer and more geographically coherent congressional maps, resulting in Congressional representatives that are more reponsive to their constituents.

To evaluate this concept, I have initiated a project with the following objectives:

1. Assess the feasibility of creating congressional maps that

   1. Allocate equal population across all districts

   2. Minimize splitting of cities and counties

   3. Maximize compactness

   4. Does not consider political party or demographic data.

2. Determine the impact of such districts on demographic and party affiliation

3. Solicit input from a diverse group of Americans

4. Leverage the results of this study to create national legislation that results in a constitutionally neutral redistricting process using only geographic and population critiera

Each of the project objectives are incredibly challenging, with numerous obstacles that could derail this undertaking. It is important to note that I believe this project will take a minimum of two years to complete.

To help guide my work, I have created a "project summary" that includes project scope and objectives, key milestones, and success metrics. Here is a link to the first draft of the project summary. I encourage everyone receiving this newsletter to review it and provide me their input.

I firmly believe that the current gerrymandering "race to the bottom" is a huge disservice to the citizens of this country, and I believe that the framework I am envisioning can produce fairer and more geographically coherent congressional maps that don't favor either party.

Much more to follow in the months ahead...

My next newsletter will be in July. In addition to providing an update on this project, I plan to share highlights from the upcoming Braver Angels national convention, and provide updates on the Citizens Commission on Immigration and the two workshops we recently completed in Northeast Ohio.

Happy Memorial Day, and enjoy the start of your summer!

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