Abstract
The decennial United States Census is that rare event that results in significant turnover in the House of Representatives in the subsequent election cycle. The 2020 count had more inaccuracies than recent censuses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, funding issues, and efforts by the Trump administration to exclude non-citizens. Ironically, state-level variations in undercounts may have cost Republicans seats in states where they controlled redistricting processes. A total of 23 states experienced changes in partisanship in their House delegations: 13 states that either gained or lost seats and 10 others. Beyond the partisan implications from redistricting, emerging scholarship confirms district competitiveness has positive impacts on voter participation and feelings of efficacy. Partisan polarization in recent decades may have limited the ability of Democrats and Republicans to enact gerrymandered plans. Maps drawn by redistricting commissions also did not yield dramatic changes or notable increases in the number of competitive seats. Numerous lawsuits were filed over redistricting maps, with courts intervening in several states and additional cases pending long after the 2022 election.