Redistricting links McCook with border towns to east

LINCOLN, Neb. — Sen. Dan Hughes confirmed Wednesday that it is likely McCook will now be on the west edge of Legislative District 38, instead of the east edge of District 44.

Tyler Cappel, of Arapahoe, who already announced a run for District 44, said he would run for the District 38 seat now held by Sen. Dave Murman of Glenville if the redistricting plan passed today as expected. Murman has indicated he will seek reelection to a second term.

The new district will run along the Kansas border to the east, linking McCook with towns like Red Cloud, Superior and Clay Center rather than closer communities to the west.

The new district covers Furnas, Harlan, Franklin, Webster, Nuckolls and Clay counties, as well as the part of Phelps County that includes Holdrege.

The Legislature is in a special session this week to complete the redistricting task required after the 10-year census.

With a state population of 1.961 million and 49 legislative districts, lawmakers are required to adjust each district within 5% of 40,031, or 38,029 to 42,032.

Population declines meant that five western districts, 42, 43, 44, 47 and 48, all had to be enlarged to meet population goals.

The Legislature is also redrawing district maps for the Supreme Court, Board of Education, Board of Regents, Public Service Commission and Congress.

Hughes explained in his column today that Chase, Dundy, Hayes, Hitchcock, Frontier, Gosper, Dawson, and the southwest quarter of Perkins, including the city of Grant, will make up the new 44th legislative district.

“Red Willow, Furnas and Harlan will join Franklin, Webster, Nuckolls and Clay Counties to make up the 38th legislative district, which is currently represented by Dave Murman of Glenville,” he wrote.

“The balance of Perkins county will become part of district 42, as well as Hooker, Thomas, McPherson, Logan and Lincoln Counties. District 42 is currently represented by Mike Groene of North Platte, but he will be term-limited out in 2022 so the residents of the new District 42 will be able to vote on a new senator during the next election.”

See Hughes’ entire column on page 4 today.