Iowa Legislature approves new redistricting map

The Iowa Legislature approved on Thursday new redistricting maps that lay out the state's new congressional and legislative boundaries for the next decade.

Between the lines: Analysts said the maps favored Republicans, as all four congressional districts formed would have voted for Trump in 2020.

• Approving the maps also means Iowa will continue its legacy of objective map-making.

The big change: Iowa's new congressional map pits Democratic U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne against Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in a competitive race in the 3rd District.

• The district contains the Des Moines metro — a Democratic stronghold. But it also absorbs more rural, red counties, like Miller-Meek's hometown of Ottumwa in Wapello.

Zoom in: In the Des Moines metro, the legislative map also puts Democratic Sens. Claire Celsi and Sarah Trone Garriott in direct competition.

What to watch: If Miller-Meeks stays in Ottumwa or moves to run in the first district.