Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The majority rules: Republicans hold onto power in a changing Georgia

Republican Brian Kemp won the governor’s race in 2018 with 50.2% of the vote.

Census data released this month shows population trends that all point to Georgia moving toward political parity.

So why is it likely, once redistricting is completed this fall, that the state’s balance of power will remain firmly in the hands of Republicans?

While Georgia is a battleground in statewide races, Republicans still wield a solid majority in the General Assembly, where they control 58% of seats, more than enough to approve favorable maps that virtually guarantee reelection in most state House, state Senate and congressional districts. …

Most states are like Georgia, giving state legislatures the sole power over redistricting.

Fifteen states assign responsibility for redistricting to commissions, which are often bipartisan and appointed by legislative leaders, political parties or retired judges. Efforts by Democrats in Georgia to create a redistricting commission haven’t advanced in the General Assembly.

“We should have representation that reflects the composition of the state,” said Aunna Dennis, executive director for the government accountability organization Common Cause Georgia. “That could mean districts that look more red, more purple or more blue. That should be a reflection of the ideology of the community.”