Clinton County Stays in 5th Congressional District in New Map

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania’s top two Republican legislators have submitted a new statewide map of the state’s congressional districts and, if approved by Gov. Wolf and the courts, would keep Clinton County in the state’s 5th Congressional district.

Friday was the deadline set by the state Supreme Court for submission of a new plan to do away with gerrymandered districts in use this decade. The plan was filed by Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati and House Speaker Mike Turzai. They said the proposal “fully complies” with the court order.

Under the proposal the mammoth 5th district would lose Erie and Huntingdon Counties but gain Tioga and Bradford Counties, a sliver of northwestern Lycoming County and a larger share of Crawford County in western Pennsylvania. The district is presently represented by Republican Glenn Thompson of Howard Township, Centre County.

A spokesman for Gov. Wolf said the map does not appear to comply with the court order but said the governor will be reviewing it.

The state Supreme Court wants the new districts in place prior to this May’s primary election.