Mass. Lawmakers Plan To OK New Congressional Map

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Interactive map by Jesse Costa/WBUR; data from the state
BOSTON — Massachusetts lawmakers are hoping to approve a redistricting map that would shrink the state's presence in the U.S. House from 10 to nine representatives.

The map for the first time creates a congressional district with a majority of voters who are black, Latino and Asian-American. It also dramatically redraws district lines in western Massachusetts after U.S. Rep. John Olver announced he would retire.

Lawmakers are planning to approve the map Tuesday.

The map also creates a new southeastern district. It has no incumbent, although Rep. William Keating has said he'll run in it after his hometown of Quincy was pulled into a district represented by Rep. Stephen Lynch.

Potential challengers to the all-Democratic delegation are scoping out the new districts.

Massachusetts' sluggish population growth forced the loss of a seat.