Oregon’s population grew by roughly 10% in the last decade and will gain a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
According to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Beaver State grew from 3.8 million residents to 4.2 million residents. Adding a seat in the House will bring the state’s tally to six. Some other states will be losing representation to make up for those gaining seats. There are 435 available seats in the House of Representatives.
A new district is most likely to be carved out of the Portland area, which has the most population density in the state. The decision where to place the new district will be the role of a Legislative redistricting committee, which will also be redrawing state representation lines.
Once the three maps are redrawn, state lawmakers must vote to approve them and the governor has to sign off on the maps as well. Gov. Kate Brown has the right to veto any line drawn. If lawmakers fail to redraw the three maps, the secretary of state steps in.