Colorado likely to gain new congressional seat after 2020 census

With Colorado’s growing population, it’s possible the state could gain a new congressional seat following the 2020 census.

The Washington Post’s analysis of how the population will be spread throughout the U.S. in the 2020 census predicts Colorado will gain its 8th congressional seat.

“Our state, our city and our region have a lot going for us,” Rachel Beck, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Colorado Springs Chamber and Economic Development Corporation, said.

Beck said El Paso County has grown almost 12 percent since the 2010 census.

“That means a lot of great things, but growth has its challenges too,” Beck said. “That’s why it’s so important for us to be represented at the federal level, appropriate to our growing population.”

Following 2020’s census, the lines will need to be redrawn for Colorado’s congressional districts.

“Politically it will be the closest thing to war,” UCCS professor Josh Dunn said.

Dunn said adding a new seat into the reapportionment process could easily go to court.

“Both parties, of course, are going to want to win that, and if it’s in a fairly competitive political state like Colorado, means that it’s going to be even more combative in the state legislature,” Dunn said.

There are also two measures on the ballot this November, which if passed, would replace the current system of the state legislature drawing the district lines, with an independent commission.