The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission voted to approve congressional and state legislative redistricting maps, which will balance political power in Ypsilanti for the next decade.
Due to slow population growth according to the 2020 U.S. Census, Michigan lost a congressional district during its redistricting, bringing their total down from 14 to 13 districts. Prior to the new maps, Ypsilanti presided in district 12, but today, Ypsilanti is located in the 6th District.
The new state senate lines include 38 districts that reduce the Republican advantage as opposed to the lines drawn in 2011 by the GOP. However, this new map brings about major changes to the lines already in place. Washtenaw County will be split in half, stretching west across Washtenaw and Jackson, placing Ypsilanti in the 15th District.
The new state house map has sparked controversy among voters, some of whom say they fear that the new lines will diminish Black voters' representation in majority-Black districts, such as Lansing and Detroit.
The redrawn state house map divides Ann Arbor into four different districts, including three districts that stretch west across Washtenaw and one that goes from Plymouth and Northville Township to South Lyon. This places Ypsilanti in the 32nd District.
Michigan’s statewide primary elections begin Aug. 2, 2022. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell and state Sen. Jeff Irwin have both announced that they are running in Ypsilanti’s newly redrawn districts.
Congressional 6th District : Rep. Debbie Dingell
In 2015, Rep. Dingell began serving as the U.S. representative for Michigan's 12th District. Now, she hopes to be reelected, representing the newly drawn 6th District.
"I have represented the people of Ypsi for over seven years now, and I'm grateful the new 6th District lines will allow me to continue to be part of and advocate for this community," Dingell said. "I'm committed to continuing my work to ensure equitable access to affordable housing and education, clean water, and widespread internet. I'm also fighting to maintain American jobs while strengthening domestic manufacturing and supporting a transition to clean energy.”
Dingell is passionate about issues on school campuses in the district that she represents, hoping to become more involved in student activities if she is reelected.
"At Eastern, I'll also remain focused on Title IX issues,” Dingell said. “This community matters to me in so many ways - I'm looking forward to so many more student forums, student events, parades, farmers markets, and memories with you all.”
State Senate 15th District: Sen. Jeff Irwin
"I am running because it is a tremendous opportunity to help people and to make Michigan a better state to live in,” Michigan Sen. Jeff Irwin said. "I want to continue my work fighting for better education systems in every zip code, access to affordable higher education, and making sure that our laws provide equal protection to everyone, no matter where they're from, what they look like, and who they love. Those are some of the core issues that got me to run for office in the first place.”
