TRENTON — The process to redraw New Jersey's congressional districts begins today, as the 13-member commission charged with the task has its first meeting at the Statehouse this afternoon.

This year, the stakes are especially high. The state is losing a seat in the House of Representatives because New Jersey’s population growth did not keep pace with states in the south and west. The 13-member congressional delegation will shrink to 12 members.

The commission, which forms every 10 years, has 13 members: six Democrats, six Republicans and tiebreaker John Farmer, Jr., the former state attorney general, who was chosen by the other 12 members. Farmer is the son of John Farmer, a longtime political columnist for the Star-Ledger.

The panel also includes former Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts on the Democratic side, and Michael DuHaime, who is a political strategist for Gov. Chris Christie, for the Republicans.

In 2002, the last time the state redrew House districts in 2002, the state had retained all of its seats and the commission accepted a plan that made districts safer for incumbents.

This year, Democrats, who hold a 7-6 advantage in the House, do not want the unlucky member who loses a seat to be one of theirs. Republicans argue that the delegation should be split evenly.

In April, a different commission redrew the state’s 40 legislative districts for state Senate and Assembly seats. In a 6-5 vote, Democrats prevailed with a map that makes it likely they’ll retain control of both chambers for the next decade.

The current redistricting commission has until January 17 to draw the congressional district map. Today’s meeting will be held at 1:00.



Star-Ledger Statehouse reporters on Twitter

Related coverage:

• Top Christie adviser to help redraw U.S. House districts

• N.J. parties pick leaders for congressional redistricting panel

• Tea party lawsuit challenging new N.J. legislative district map is dismissed

