What the new map means to us
Carbon and Schuylkill counties have been moved out of the 17th congressional district, currently represented by Rep. Matt Cartwright.
The congressional map proposed by the state Supreme Court keeps most of the counties in the Times News area intact.
But if the new map withstands an expected legal challenge from state house Republicans, it would split the West End of Monroe County in half.
Barring a successful appeal, the new map will be used starting with the congressional primary elections in May.
Under the new map, Carbon and Schuylkill are located entirely in the new 9th District, while Northampton and Lehigh counties are located entirely in the 7th.
Both seats will have new representatives after the 2018 elections.
The 9th includes Carbon, Schuylkill, Berks, Lebanon and Columbia counties, as well as parts of Luzerne, Montour and Northumberland.
It is closest to the district represented by Lou Barletta, R-11, who is vacating his seat to run for Senate.
The 7th includes Lehigh, Northampton and parts of Monroe. It is closest to the district currently represented by Charlie Dent, R-15, who is retiring at the end of the year.
Monroe County is split under the proposed map. The southern half, including Eldred, Ross and Hamilton Townships, is in the new 7th.
Polk and Chestnuthill are in the new 8th district, which also includes Pike, Lackawanna, Wayne and the rest of Luzerne.
It is closest to the district represented by Matt Cartwright, D-17. He will be seeking re-election this year.
— Chris Reber
