GOP Strategist Discusses Census Impact on Red States

On Thursday, political strategist Brad Todd shared insights with CNN anchor Kate Bordan regarding the 2020 U.S. Census and its implications for Republican-leaning states.

President Donald Trump announced that he had instructed his administration to initiate a new census that would exclude undocumented immigrants. During his segment on “CNN News Central,” Todd asserted that the population count was skewed in favor of some states, particularly blue ones. He remarked, “The 2020 census had its inaccuracies, and in many instances, it posed challenges for red states.”

Todd pointed out that, according to an audit by the Census Bureau, certain blue states, such as Rhode Island, were overestimated in their population counts. He emphasized that Rhode Island retained its congressional seat while Alabama, a red state, did not. “It’s a fact,” he added, acknowledging that while issues existed for both sides, the discrepancies were disproportionately weighted towards red states.

A survey conducted by the Census Bureau post-2020 revealed that 14 states experienced significant undercounts or overcounts. States like Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas were deemed undercounted, while Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island, and Utah had inflated counts.

Although the precise impact on congressional representation and the Electoral College remains unclear, it was noted that five of the six undercounted states had Republican governors, while five of the eight overcounted states were led by Democrats. Minnesota presented a unique situation with a divided legislature and a Democratic governor.

Meanwhile, tensions arose in Texas as several House Democrats fled to states like Illinois to avoid a quorum needed to approve a new congressional map, which could potentially benefit Republicans by adding up to five seats. In California, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is preparing to adjust the state’s map to counteract the influence of Texas Republicans.

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York also expressed a desire to engage in gerrymandering in response to the political landscape in Texas.

The Census Bureau conducts its population counts every ten years, wielding significant influence over political power in the U.S. These counts determine the allocation of seats in the House and influence state legislative districts.

Trump’s push for a new census that excludes undocumented immigrants may lead to legal hurdles similar to those faced during his initial term when he attempted to exclude unauthorized immigrants from the 2020 count.