Today, Common Cause honors four “Defenders of Democracy” who have played pivotal roles in reshaping America’s legal landscape to address the scourge of partisan gerrymandering. As the 2020 Decennial Census and the ensuing 2021 redistricting cycle fast approach, Common Cause recognizes the efforts of a small team of lawyers and experts who have successfully shifted the national conversation on redistricting – what is right and wrong, and how the law can provide meaningful remedies.
“We are pleased to recognize Jowei Chen, Jonah Knobler, Caroline Mackie, and Richard H. Pildes,” said Karen Hobert Flynn, president of Common Cause. “We recognize them for their critical work as Defenders of Democracy to expose the unconstitutional manipulation and partisan motivations behind partisan gerrymandering. Others cynically said partisan gerrymandering was just politics as usual and could not be solved. Common Cause created a team of the best and brightest to tackle the problem head-on through litigation, fundamentally transforming America’s political landscape.”