But Montana increased its population just enough to receive a new district. Its 2020 Census population is 1,084,225. That’s 297,535 more people than in 1981, which is the last time the state Districting Commission had to draw a congressional dividing line. The new district is partly due to Montana’s population growth, but also because of population declines in other states, which lost seats in the 435-member U.S. House.
Lamson’s “at least one district” reference was a nod to Montana’s conservative east, where running for office as a Democrat is a lot like a deer applying for membership in a gun club. Outside of the urban districts of communities like Billings and Great Falls, wins by Democrats are rare and becoming even more difficult.
When it came time in the state that drawing competitive Congressional districts would be a goal, Republicans on the districting commission objected.
“I’m surprised the proposal didn’t say when considered on a statewide basis a plan must have one Republican district and one Democrat district,” said Jeff Essmann, a Republican commissioner, former legislator and former state GOP chairman. “Basically, that’s what the impact of this proposal is. Basically, it’s a license to gerrymander to achieve a political outcome and I understand that instinct. It’s our job to try to avoid that and follow, clear rules.”
Making the districts competitive isn’t the same thing as assuring a Democratic win, said Commissioner Kendra Miller.
