CHARLESTON, W.Va. — House of Delegates Speaker Tim Armstead doesn’t believe it’s too early to begin talking about redistricting that will follow the 2020 Census. Armstead hopes to have significant discussion on the topic this session.
Armstead (R-Kanawha) is in favor of 100 single-member districts in the House.
“We need those to be drawn, not on basis of politics, but on the basis of geography and the other factors the courts have said are appropriate to use,” Armstead said. “We are going to start that discussion now.”
There are currently 47 single-member districts and 20 multi-member districts in the House. During his legislative career, Armstead has served in a four-member, three-member and now a single-member district. He said there’s no comparison when it comes to being in touch with your district.
“I’ve had more ability to deal with the individuals in my district, the people that I represent, because I have a smaller district to represent than I did when I was in a four-member district,” Armstead said.
The House and state Senate will redistrict following the 2020 Census which will impact the 2022 election. Another big issue during the redistricting will be the congressional districts. Because of population loss, West Virginia expects to lose a congressional district, going from three to two.