Congressman to Lose Area, As District Lines Are Redrawn

Though major changes passed by the area, one congressman will lose his Plymouth-Whitemarsh districts, while the area congresswoman will see gains.

According to a plan introduced by General Assembly Republicans and detailed by PoliticsPa.com, Rep. James Gerlach (R-6th) would vacate his Plymouth and Whitemarsh districts. Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-7th) would see his Plymouth and Whitemarsh districts shift, and lose Conshohocken entirely.

That means the territory for Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-13) will increase to cover more of Plymouth and Whitemarsh, in addition to adding Conshohocken.

Democratic lawmakers have complained of the plan as a way for Meehan to ward off election defeat in weak Republican areas. Under the plan, the district would add traditionally Republican areas in Berks and Lancaster counties, according to the Delaware County Times.

Gerlach, meanwhile, tightens his coverage area in Berks and Chester counties, while losing his lower districts in Montgomery County. 

If the General Assembly and governor approve this plan, it would impact the 2012 congressional election.