Nebraska Legislature Reveals Proposed Redistricting Maps and Plan for Public Comment
By JR Contributor Molly Ashford
Newly released redistricting proposals could mean big changes for the Omaha Metro area, including a new seat in the state legislature and potential changes to the second congressional district boundaries. Four maps, two proposed by Democratic State Sen. Justin Wayne and two by Republican State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, were released last Thursday (Sept. 9), detailing plans for Congressional and legislative districts. Members of the redistricting committee will have to vote on a single plan to submit to the full legislature, but for now, they are preparing to host public hearings (beginning Thursday Sept. 16) to get feedback from constituents on the two very different proposals.
Linehan’s map makes significant alterations to the first and second congressional districts. The second congressional district is known nationally as Nebraska’s blue dot which voted for Obama in 2008 and Biden in 2020. This is not the first time redistricting talk has focused on the Omaha area district. Currently, Linehan’s map is the most controversial cutting Douglas County in half along Interstate 680 and West Dodge Road. Urban Omahans— including those in most parts of West Omaha— would continue to be included in the second congressional district, while Bennington, Waterloo, Valley, and parts of Elkhorn and Boys Town would move to the first.
Language in the redistricting rules clearly states that district boundaries should follow county lines whenever possible. Despite pushback from both sides of the aisle—including from former Gov. Dave Heineman—Linehan says that her proposal follows clearly established guidelines by splitting along two major roadways.
Wayne’s proposed congressional map leaves Douglas County intact and adds Democratic-leaning Bellevue back to the second district, where it was before the 2011 redistricting. Springfield, Gretna and Papillion would reside in the first congressional district. Linehan and Wayne also submitted differing proposals for legislative districts. Conversations around boundaries for the state legislature have been tense for months, as Republicans aim to conserve rural seats despite 69 of Nebraska’s 93 counties losing population in the most recent census. Black Votes Matter and other North Omaha community partners are hosting a town hall on Tuesday (Sept. 14) to discuss the redistricting proposals among other topics.
Regardless of which map is accepted, the Omaha Metro will gain another seat in the state legislature. Linehan’s map moves District 24, which currently encompasses Seward, Polk, and York Counties into southwestern Sarpy County. Wayne proposes moving District 44, which encompasses 10 counties in southwest Nebraska, into parts of Western Sarpy and Douglas Counties. Each map could spell trouble for elected legislators whose districts are moved.
Newly re-elected Democratic Sens. Mike McDonnel and Anna Wishart would be removed from their districts if Linehan’s plan was accepted. Sen. Tom Breise of Albion would be removed from his district if Wayne’s plan was approved. State law says that senators will remain in office if their district is moved, but they would represent the people of the new district—not the ones who voted them into office.
There will be a public hearing on Thursday, Sept. 16 in Omaha for constituents to voice opinions on the proposals.
The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. at the Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine St. in Aksarben.
