search
Sections List
American Journal News

Here are the winners and losers following the 2020 census

Because the number of seats in the House is set at 435, one state’s gain results in another state’s loss.

By Associated Press - April 27, 2021
Share
Census

More than a year since the 2020 census began in a remote Alaska village, the first numbers to emerge from the nation’s once-a-decade head count were released on Monday, showing how many congressional seats and Electoral College votes each state is getting based on its population.

Because the number of seats in the House of Representatives is set at 435, it’s a zero-sum game with one state’s gain resulting in another state’s loss — like a pie with uneven slices. As one state gets a larger slice because of population gains, that means a smaller slice for a state that lost population or didn’t grow as much.

A look at the 13 states that will gain or lose political power — and federal money — through the apportionment process because of changes in population over the past decade:

THE WINNERS

TEXAS — The Lone Star State is the big winner, adding two congressional seats courtesy of 4 million new residents. Demographers say people moving from other states like California have contributed a significant chunk of the growth. The nation’s second most populous state will now have 38 congressional representatives, behind only California.

FLORIDA — The nation’s third most populous state adds one congressional seat because of a population gain of more than 2.7 million. This boosts its House delegation to 28 and Electoral College votes to 30, furthering the Sunshine State’s importance in presidential elections.

COLORADO — Population growth around Denver helped Colorado gain an extra seat, its first new House seat in 20 years. The mostly college-educated transplants have helped Colorado go from being a solidly Republican state to a competitive swing state to, now, a solidly Democratic one — though the state’s districts will be drawn by a nonpartisan commission.

MONTANA — By gaining a congressional seat, Montana goes from having a single House representative to having two. The gain marks a rebound for Montana, which had two congressional seats for most of the 20th century but lost one after the 1990 census.

NORTH CAROLINA — Fueled by retirees and job seekers, North Carolina’s population boom is earning it an extra seat, raising its House count to 14. The gains have been concentrated in the Charlotte and Raleigh areas.

OREGON — Oregon is getting a new congressional seat for the first time in 40 years, going from five House members to six. Although Democrats control state government, they have agreed to give up their advantage in redrawing the state’s political districts for the next 10 years in exchange for a commitment from Republicans to stop blocking bills.

[/media-credit] States that will gain or lose congressional seats in the wake of the 2020 census

___

THE LOSERS

CALIFORNIA — While California is still the nation’s most populous state, its stagnant growth over the past decade causes it to lose a single seat for the first time in 170 years of statehood. Its number of House members goes from 53 to 52 for a state that has been a symbol of limitless growth and endless possibilities since the Gold Rush of the 1800s.

ILLINOIS — Illinois goes from 18 to 17 House members, continuing a 40-year streak of losing congressional seats.

MICHIGAN — The number of House members representing Michigan drops from 14 to 13, particularly because of population losses in the Upper Peninsula.

NEW YORK — There was no question New York was going to lose a congressional seat, but the suspense lay in whether it would be one or two seats. The Census Bureau says New York lost its seat by a mere 89 people. The loss of one seat reduces its House delegation from 27 to 26 members.

OHIO — Sluggish population growth over the past decade causes Ohio to lose a single congressional seat, continuing its streak of losses every decade since 1960. The adjustment reduces the Buckeye State’s House seats from 16 to 15.

PENNSYLVANIA — Although Pennsylvania remains an important presidential battleground, its influence will be diminished by the loss of one Electoral College vote. Its House delegation drops from 18 to 17 members.

WEST VIRGINIA — A decadeslong exodus of residents finally causes West Virginia to lose a congressional seat, reducing its representation in the House from three to two members.


AJ News
Subscribe to our newsletter.
Read More
AJ News
Latest
As Iran War raised gas prices, oil interests sent $6.8M to Senate GOP

As Iran War raised gas prices, oil interests sent $6.8M to Senate GOP

By Jesse Valentine - June 15, 2026
Lahn’s record contradicts his claims of being a political outsider

Lahn’s record contradicts his claims of being a political outsider

By Jesse Valentine - June 12, 2026
‘Protesters spit on us’: Why this Wisconsin abortion clinic escort won’t back down

‘Protesters spit on us’: Why this Wisconsin abortion clinic escort won’t back down

By Bonnie Fuller - June 11, 2026
Sullivan profited from company that paid $65 million fraud settlement

Sullivan profited from company that paid $65 million fraud settlement

By Jesse Valentine - June 11, 2026
Lucido’s shadow looms over Michigan’s 10th District GOP primary

Lucido’s shadow looms over Michigan’s 10th District GOP primary

By Jesse Valentine - June 10, 2026
Dan Sullivan groups spent $1.5 million on golf resorts and luxury lodging

Dan Sullivan groups spent $1.5 million on golf resorts and luxury lodging

By Jesse Valentine - June 09, 2026
Susan Collins failed to report up to $395,000 in stock trades

Susan Collins failed to report up to $395,000 in stock trades

By Jesse Valentine - June 05, 2026
Barrett sells Haiti-made t-shirts despite ‘Made in USA’ claim

Barrett sells Haiti-made t-shirts despite ‘Made in USA’ claim

By Jesse Valentine - June 04, 2026
Ashley Hinson launches false attack ad minutes after Turek’s primary win

Ashley Hinson launches false attack ad minutes after Turek’s primary win

By Jesse Valentine - June 04, 2026
‘Nope, you’re fine’: This Black doctor nearly died after giving birth in Reno

‘Nope, you’re fine’: This Black doctor nearly died after giving birth in Reno

By Bonnie Fuller - June 03, 2026
De La Cruz accepted cash from agent accused of stealing public funds

De La Cruz accepted cash from agent accused of stealing public funds

By Jesse Valentine - June 03, 2026
Trump economy squeezes gig workers, new report says

Trump economy squeezes gig workers, new report says

By Jesse Valentine - June 02, 2026
Hinson promised more town halls, she hasn’t held one all year

Hinson promised more town halls, she hasn’t held one all year

By Jesse Valentine - June 02, 2026
Whatley spent two decades cashing in as a corporate lobbyist

Whatley spent two decades cashing in as a corporate lobbyist

By Jesse Valentine - May 27, 2026
New memo accuses GOP Senate hopefuls of self-enrichment

New memo accuses GOP Senate hopefuls of self-enrichment

By Jesse Valentine - May 27, 2026
John James PAC hired consultants tied to alleged campaign finance scheme

John James PAC hired consultants tied to alleged campaign finance scheme

By Jesse Valentine - May 22, 2026
Marty O’Donnell downplays jobs crisis facing young people

Marty O’Donnell downplays jobs crisis facing young people

By Jesse Valentine - May 21, 2026
Mike Lawler used taxpayer funds to promote GOP tax law

Mike Lawler used taxpayer funds to promote GOP tax law

By Jesse Valentine - May 21, 2026
Gabe Evans stayed silent as Colorado meatpacking workers went on strike

Gabe Evans stayed silent as Colorado meatpacking workers went on strike

By Jesse Valentine - May 18, 2026
David Schweikert wants Arizona’s public lands in private hands

David Schweikert wants Arizona’s public lands in private hands

By Jesse Valentine - May 14, 2026
Nunn talks tough on banks after taking $260K from credit card industry

Nunn talks tough on banks after taking $260K from credit card industry

By Jesse Valentine - May 13, 2026
Hyde-Smith took fertilizer money as farmers struggled with soaring costs

Hyde-Smith took fertilizer money as farmers struggled with soaring costs

By Jesse Valentine - May 13, 2026
Adam Steen touts Iowa manufacturing despite outsourcing to China

Adam Steen touts Iowa manufacturing despite outsourcing to China

By Jesse Valentine - May 12, 2026
Republican Patti Adair endorsed cutting Medicaid, repealing Obamacare

Republican Patti Adair endorsed cutting Medicaid, repealing Obamacare

By Jesse Valentine - May 12, 2026
Chuck Edwards took $50k from utility executive as rates rose across North Carolina

Chuck Edwards took $50k from utility executive as rates rose across North Carolina

By Jesse Valentine - May 08, 2026
Mike Lawler is still spending campaign cash on limousines

Mike Lawler is still spending campaign cash on limousines

By Jesse Valentine - May 06, 2026
Lombardo under fire as donor cash follows controversial actions

Lombardo under fire as donor cash follows controversial actions

By Jesse Valentine - May 05, 2026
Ashley Hinson backed rollbacks as PFAS contamination spread

Ashley Hinson backed rollbacks as PFAS contamination spread

By Jesse Valentine - May 04, 2026
Fitzpatrick pushes false FBI claim against Democratic opponent

Fitzpatrick pushes false FBI claim against Democratic opponent

By Jesse Valentine - May 04, 2026
Ogles campaign paid consultant who tracked rallygoers’ phones

Ogles campaign paid consultant who tracked rallygoers’ phones

By Jesse Valentine - May 01, 2026
Jonathan Bush likens MaineCare expansion to Putin bombing schools

Jonathan Bush likens MaineCare expansion to Putin bombing schools

By Jesse Valentine - May 01, 2026
Tennessee desperately tries to silence women nearly killed by its abortion ban

Tennessee desperately tries to silence women nearly killed by its abortion ban

By Bonnie Fuller - April 29, 2026
Susan Collins declines to investigate White House funding and war actions

Susan Collins declines to investigate White House funding and war actions

By Jesse Valentine - April 29, 2026
Garrity praised rioters, questioned 2020 election in unearthed posts

Garrity praised rioters, questioned 2020 election in unearthed posts

By Jesse Valentine - April 22, 2026
JoAnna Mendoza, AZ Marine vet and mom, says she’ll represent her neighbors in Congress

JoAnna Mendoza, AZ Marine vet and mom, says she’ll represent her neighbors in Congress

By Bonnie Fuller - April 21, 2026
GOP Michigan candidates still claim Trump won 2020 election

GOP Michigan candidates still claim Trump won 2020 election

By Jesse Valentine - April 21, 2026
Janelle Stelson says it’s time to make Pennsylvania affordable again

Janelle Stelson says it’s time to make Pennsylvania affordable again

By Bonnie Fuller - April 17, 2026
Jackson takes credit for Georgia abortion ban, backs even stricter limits

Jackson takes credit for Georgia abortion ban, backs even stricter limits

By Jesse Valentine - April 15, 2026

Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License .