Some local voters would get new representation under proposed redistricting | Politics

A plan to redraw Washington's congressional districts would leave some locals with new representation and create the state's first majority-minority district.

The proposal was released Wednesday and includes a new district, allocated to the state after a decade of population growth.

The new 10th District would be centered around Olympia and encompass a large part of Pierce County and parts of Tacoma.

Rep. Adam Smith's 9th District, would be slightly under 50 percent white and would become the state's first majority-minority district, reports the Associated Press.

Negotiators said they created the minority district after repeatedly hearing the request in public testimony. 

Redistricting plans are coming together around the country, in a process that takes place every 10 years to ensure each district has a balanced population. 

Washington's commission is comprised of two Republican appointees and two Democratic appointees. At least three of them must agree on the maps to approve them by a New Year's Day deadline, and the two commissioners who were not involved in the congressional process did not immediately share their thoughts on the proposal Thursday. 

If the panel fails to reach an agreement, the state Supreme Court will take control of the process. If the commission does reach an agreement, the Legislature will have an opportunity to make minor modifications. 

Two of the members focused on legislative boundaries previously agreed to details on districts in western Washington that would displace five incumbent lawmakers. They are still working on the eastern side of the state. 

See proposed maps

KOMO Staff and wire reports contributed to this report.