Howard Fischer/Capitol Media Services

Members of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission review various versions of maps on Oct. 28, 2021, for new congressional and legislative districts.

A proposed plan from Republican Independent Redistricting Commission member David Mehl would split Tucson into two districts. One would move Democrats to a district where they already have an advantage, and another would give Republican congressional candidate Juan Ciscomani an advantage. 

Nate Sigal is an aide to Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. He says the plan would dilute Tucson’s electoral influence. 

“It is in the city's best interest to have two congressional districts that are anchored in the city of Tucson. By pushing it all the way to Alvernon, that increases the district's share of population elsewhere," Sigal said.

There are also some potential conflicts of interest. Ciscomani’s wife sits on the Commission of Appellate court appointments, the same panel that selected Mehl to the Independent Redistricting Commission. And his son has donated to Ciscomani’s campaign, although Mehl denies any influence that’s had on drawing district lines.

The maps have to be finalized Dec. 22.

To learn more about the latest redistricting moves, The Show spoke with KJZZ’s Dillon Rosenblatt.

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