FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Governor Andy Beshear called the new Kentucky House map and the new Kentucky Congressional map "a clear example of political gerrymandering."
Beshear vetoed both maps on Wednesday. During a press conference on Thursday, he defended his decision by calling the maps "unconstitutional."
"There has been some analysis that has been done by some outside groups that believe the redistricting bills lessens the voice, especially, of African American Kentuckians," said Beshear.
Beshear’s veto message noted the changes in the 1st Congressional District. The GOP plan extended the oddly shaped district to add Franklin County, which includes Democratic-leaning Frankfort in central Kentucky. The district, a Republican stronghold, is mostly based in western Kentucky.
“Under this map, someone driving from Lexington to Louisville would cross five of the state’s congressional districts, but it would take over four hours to get from one side of the First District to the other,” the governor noted.
Beshear’s veto message noted the changes in the 1st Congressional District. The GOP plan extended the oddly shaped district to add Franklin County, which includes Democratic-leaning Frankfort in central Kentucky. The district, a Republican stronghold, is mostly based in western Kentucky.
As far as the House map goes, Beshear said it “excessively splits” some counties and “carves up” other counties for “partisan reasons,” contrary to Kentucky’s constitution.
"Voters should choose their elected representatives. Elected representatives should not choose their voters," added Beshear on Thursday.
However, lawmakers quickly overrode Beshear's vetoes.
House Speaker David Osborne defended the GOP's House map, saying it "meets all legal considerations."
"It splits no precincts, divides the fewest number of counties possible, and preserves communities of interest," said Osborne.
Senate President Robert Stivers said, "the congressional redistricting map meets legal and constitutional requirements and adheres to applicable case law."
So, what happens now? Legal challenges.
Today, the Kentucky Democratic Party joined Kentucky residents disenfranchised by the unconstitutional, gerrymandered districts drawn by Republicans to fight them in court and stop this partisan power grab. pic.twitter.com/OR6I7fuurb
— Kentucky Democrats (@KyDems) January 20, 2022
The Kentucky Democratic Party said it has "joined Kentucky residents disenfranchised by the unconstitutional, gerrymandered districts drawn by Republicans to fight them in court and stop this partisan power grab."
But isn't there an election coming up? Yes. Kentucky has a primary election set for May. However, lawmakers have filed a bill that could push the primary back to August.
