National committee for fair maps targets Wisconsin governor, state Senate in 2018

The National Democratic Redistricting Committee announced its electoral targets for 2018 — and they include Wisconsin's governor and state Senate.

This is a critical election year for redistricting because it is the first cycle where the officials elected will serve during the redistricting process in 2021.

Looking at the electoral map strictly through the lens of redistricting, NDRC spotlights the "elections most important for shifting the balance of power in the redistricting process."

NDRC is targeting 12 states, including nine gubernatorial races, 20 legislative chambers, two ballot initiatives and two down-ballot races.

There are eight additional states on the watch list.

“Gerrymandering contributes to the political polarization and dysfunction in this country and is a threat to our democracy," said Eric H. Holder Jr., chairman of NDRC and former attorney general. "In 2011, Republicans created gerrymandered districts that locked themselves into power and shut out voters from the electoral process. By focusing on these state and local races, we can ensure Democrats who will fight for fairness have a seat at the table when new maps are drawn in 2021.”

NDRC said it would invest time and resources in these races and utilize its position as the strategic hub for redistricting to focus organizational efforts into these areas. The committee also will  focus on turning out young people and people of color in these states this year.

NDRC 2018 Primary Targets

Colorado Governor, state Senate

Florida Governor, state Senate

Georgia Governor, state Senate

Michigan Governor, state Senate, state House, ballot initiative

Minnesota Governor, state Senate, state House

Nevada Governor, state Senate, state House

North Carolina State Senate, state House

Ohio Governor, State Auditor, Secretary of State, state Senate, state House, ballot initiative

Pennsylvania Governor, state Senate, state House

Texas State Senate, state House

Virginia State House in 2017; state Senate and state House in 2019

Wisconsin Governor, state Senate

NDRC 2018 Watch List

Arizona Ballot initiative

Maine Governor, state Senate

Missouri Ballot initiative

New Hampshire Governor, state Senate, state House

New York State Senate

South Carolina Governor, state Senate

South Dakota Ballot initiative

Utah Ballot initiative