Big Picture

Redistricting

On Sept. 24, the New Mexico Legislature adjourned its special redistricting session. Lawmakers passed four plans—one for the state House, one for the Senate, one for the Public Regulation Commission and one for the Public Education Commission—for redrawing districts. Congressional districts—and any plans Gov. Susana Martinez opts to veto—will be left to the courts to determine.


Total number of redistricting plans introduced during New Mexico’s special session

61


Ratio of Democrat-introduced redistricting plans to Republican-introduced plans

4:1


Total number respectively of Republicans and Democrats in the New Mexico House of Representatives

33, 36


Total number of Republican votes in favor of a House memorial “celebrating the enduring greatness of the United States Constitution”

33


Total number of Republican votes in favor of any state House, Senate or PRC redistricting plan that passed the Legislature

0


Total number of votes by state Rep. Andy Nuñez, I-Doña Ana, respectively for and against the same three plans

2, 1


Minimum total cost of New Mexico’s 19-day special session, according to legislation

$1,260,160


Total amount appropriated for corruption investigation of Jerome Block Jr.

$1,000,000


Minimum total amount (payroll plus travel reimbursements) Jerome Block Jr. has earned at the PRC as of August

$300,791.75


Total funding approved for food stamps for the disabled and elderly New Mexicans during the special session

$450,000


Percent by which the Senate-approved congressional redistricting plan would have improved Democratic chances in the 1st District, the seat currently held by US Rep. Martin Heinrich

0.5


Potential cost of a court battle over New Mexico redistricting, according to state House GOP whip Donald Bratton, R-Lea

"millions"


Number of days after special session Bratton waited before filing a lawsuit protesting redistricting plans

2


Number of states in which an independent commission is responsible for drawing up redistricting plans

13


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