The state Supreme Court has chosen a new Congressional map for Pennsylvania.
This is the final step in the months long process that was dragged out to the state’s highest court after the legislature couldn’t reach an agreement.
Under the new map, Butler County falls into the 16th Congressional District that stretches through Northwest PA into Erie County. Republican Mike Kelly has announced his intentions to run for that seat.
Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson, who has represented portions of eastern Butler County in the 15th District, saw his district expand further to the east into territory that was also represented by fellow Republican Rep. Fred Keller. However, Keller has announced his intention to run for the 9th District, meaning Thompson will most likely have an uncontested primary.
A portion of Cranberry and Zelienople that was previously represented by Rep. Conor Lamb in the 17th District was merged into Rep. Kelly’s 16th District. However, Lamb is running for Senate, leaving the 17th without an incumbent. Analysts predict it will be a swing seat.
The previous map had sliced Butler County into three parts.
This ruling doesn’t have any impact on the maps being considered for state house and senate seats.
