Arizona Senate Democrats Defend Independent Redistricting, Push Back on Petersen’s Call for Map Changes

PHOENIX –  Yesterday’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to gut the Voting Rights Act is a devastating step backward for our democracy, one that threatens decades of progress in ensuring fair representation for all communities.

In Arizona, this ruling is already being weaponized for political gain. Senate President Warren Petersen called our maps “racist” and is openly threatening litigation to force a redraw, demanding that Arizona eliminate districts that contemplate minority communities.

“Let’s be clear: Arizona voters created the Independent Redistricting Commission specifically to prevent partisan politicians from manipulating district lines for their own benefit,” said Priya Sundareshan, Leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus. “That commission, made up of two Democrats, two Republicans, and an independent chair, approved the current congressional and legislative maps in 2022, after working for nearly a year to set the boundaries. Changing maps in the middle of an election cycle and mere months before the primary election is not only impractical, but it also risks chaos, confusion, and undermines voter confidence.”

Even prominent members of Mr. Petersen’s own party caution against changing the maps. Gina Swoboda, former Republican State Party Chair and Elections Policy Advisor to Petersen stated, “it would be a mistake for us to attempt to redraw our lines out of cycle. It leads to confusion and a lack of continuity that's not good for anyone.”

“What is happening here is not about fairness, it is about power,” said Assistant Leader, Catherine Miranda. “We have seen this playbook before, attacks on election integrity, conspiracy theories about fraud, and now a push to redraw maps under the guise of “fairness.” President Petersen has a history of using taxpayer dollars to fund lawsuits that support President Trump’s sweeping agenda, which now includes undermining democracy in a desperate attempt to hold onto Congress.”

The passage of the Voting Rights Act resulted in a tremendous improvement in minority representation at all levels of government. In less than 24 hours since the Court’s decision we have seen Republicans nationwide seek to turn back the clock on that progress. The consequences will be felt most by Black, Latino, and tribal communities, communities whose representation is now at risk of being diluted if not completely eliminated.

“Senate Democrats will not stand by while extremists attempt to roll back voting rights and undermine the will of the people. Fair maps are fundamental to a healthy democracy, and we will continue to fight to protect them” concluded Senator Sundareshan.