The Redistrict Network - Advancing Democracy Through Comprehensive Redistricting Coverage

Introduction: The Redistrict Network digital campaign is an innovative nonpartisan campaign that connects people where they are (on Twitter/X) with the latest news and information on 2020s redistricting. Since 2018, The Redistrict Network digital campaign has been tracking and breaking news on the people, places, and maps of the 2020 redistricting cycle. Today, the Twitter-based initiative has become the largest, most-trusted nonpartisan source of redistricting information with over 14.4K Followers, thousands of immediate daily views, and millions of impressions.

Accomplishments: The Redistrict Network has been building in scale since 2018 in the leadup to the 2020 census. In 2021, the US Census Bureau released its PL 94-171 districting data in a format usable for state authorities to start redrawing maps. The long-awaited release kick-started the redraw of 435 congressional seats, thousands of state House and Senate districts, and tens of thousands of county and municipal boards.

Over the course of a year and a half since the release of census data, The Redistrict Network quickly and accurately tracked the legislation, draft maps, final maps, and any subsequent litigation for every state across the country. In that period, the digital campaign led the news cycle for Florida’s redistricting process as well as made appearances in dozens of state and national news outlets. Legislators, journalists, litigators, and academic experts have all consulted with the project’s director for information, updates, and connections. The Redistrict Network’s coverage has served as an indispensable resource. Its impact has greatly enhanced the work of leading academics, experts, and journalists around the United States.

Current Redistricting Activity: As of mid-2025, Texas has announced it is conducting a mid-decade redistricting of the state's congressional maps. This announcement has catalyzed California, Missouri, Indiana, Maryland, Florida, and New York to consider redrawing their maps as well. At the moment, 10 of the nation’s 44 congressional maps are currently being challenged in state or federal court. Litigation is also underway over state legislative maps in at least nine states, reflecting ongoing disputes over compliance with state and U.S. constitutional provisions.

Among the most closely watched cases, the U.S. Supreme Court has set re-argument in the Louisiana racial gerrymandering and Voting Rights Act case for October 15, 2025. Meanwhile, Ohio is preparing to redraw its congressional districts in late 2025, as the current map was only approved for four years under the state’s constitution. The Redistrict Network continues to track all ongoing lawsuits and redraws, maintaining its role as a go-to source for reporters, journalists, consultants, and litigators seeking timely updates on pending litigation.

Recognition and Endorsements: Today, The Redistrict Network digital campaign is being sourced and followed by some of the biggest names in politics, journalism, and media. The digital campaign is used and recommended by Dave Wasserman and the Cook Political Report to stay up-to-date on the latest redistricting developments. Stephen Wolf and David Nir of Daily Kos Elections say “@RedistrictNet is a must-follow for anyone serious about [redistricting]. Never misses even the most obscure news and has greatly enhanced everyone's knowledge on the topic over the last few years.” Additionally, Elias Law Group and Democracy Docket referred to the initiative as “the popular Redistrict Network” campaign “which provides news updates on the 2020 redistricting cycle” in a recent article and think-piece on their website. The Redistrict Network initiative has collaborated with FiveThirtyEight, Daily Kos, and Princeton’s Electoral Innovation Lab. Among the 12,000 plus followers of the twitter campaign are journalists at Politico, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.

Amplification of Events and Reform Initiatives: Beyond breaking news, The Redistrict Network is deeply engaged in outreach and education by promoting events, reform initiatives, and connecting mapmakers. Efforts to establish Independent Redistricting Commissions in Oregon and Arkansas, along with similar ballot initiatives in other states, offer The Redistrict Network key opportunities to collaborate with partners and support these vital reforms. In today’s democracy landscape, it has become commonplace for organizations to fall short of their goals with respect to redistricting-related events. While these organizations usually hold great panels and conversations, they are often low turnout and low attendance. Our digital initiative, with its high following and large network, helps bolster good-government initiatives by promoting these events and therefore expanding outreach, engagement, and conversation amongst the public.

Gathering Place for Cartographers and Mapmakers: Furthermore, The Redistrict Network serves as a hub for cartographers and mapmakers, facilitating connections with the public through mapmaking seminars, experts, and formal and informal learning opportunities. This role not only enhances public understanding of redistricting but also fosters a collaborative environment to further develop innovative and equitable mapping practices.

Summary: The Redistrict Network digital campaign has emerged as a transformative force in the redistricting and democracy reform space. Its contributions to breaking events coverage have made it a leading source of redistricting information. The initiative's commitment to education, outreach, and collaboration with partners has elevated redistricting from an obscure topic to a prominent kitchen-table issue, fostering greater public engagement and advancing the cause of fair maps across the United States. We believe that the continued growth and success of the Redistrict Network will have a lasting and positive impact on democracy in the nation.

Options Moving Forward: Jason Fierman is the founder, managing director, and one-person team behind the Redistrict Network digital campaign. Up until this point, the campaign has been largely funded and subsidized by its founding member. At this juncture, however, the digital initiative cannot continue on its current basis without substantial outside support and funding. The Redistrict Network digital campaign believes there are two options on how to move forward.

(1) Acquisition: The Redistrict Network digital initiative is acquired and run by an outside organization.

(2) In-house program: An institution acquires both the digital campaign and the director. The institution would give the director a salary and provide resources to keep the program operational. An option would also be available to rebrand the initiative by the purchasing authority. The director and the acquiring entity would work together to advance the campaign and purchasing organizations mission.

The Redistrict Network digital campaign is a successful, well-established, highly respected initiative. We look forward to the continued growth of the campaign and benefits of the initiative on American democracy.