The American public must have confidence in the leadership of Census Bureau to ensure everyone is counted accurately. Public outrage met reports that Thomas Brunell would be named deputy director, a slot that does not require Senate confirmation, but that he would in fact lead the Census. The controversy was well founded. Brunell’s controversial background as an academic who regularly testified in support Republican gerrymanders would have politicized the national headcount.

A fair and accurate Census is vital to the health of our democracy. It’s past time for President Trump and Secretary Ross to nominate a well-qualified and nonpartisan expert to be the Director of the Census Bureau, who will have to answer questions in front of the American people in Senate confirmation hearings. There is no room for partisanship in the Census.