Washington, D.C. — The National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC) led the effort for a historically successful redistricting cycle in 2022 and is now redoubling its efforts to prepare for a decade of continuous redistricting activity. As reported in The New York Times, NDRC Chairman Eric Holder is continuing in his role as Chairman, and long-time Executive Director John Bisognano will take the helm as NDRC’s new President.  Marina Jenkins, who has served as the NDRC’s Director of Litigation and Policy since 2017, will take over as the NDRC’s Executive Director. After six years as NDRC’s President, Kelly Burton will continue in a strategic capacity as an NDRC Board Member.

The 2021-2022 redistricting cycle ended with the fairest congressional map in 40 years and more fair state legislative maps than the previous decade. Now, as we head into the 2024 elections, there are active redistricting lawsuits against congressional maps in 14 states that could affect as many as 29 seats this cycle, making redistricting a consequential part of the 2024 House battlefield. Additionally, congressional and state legislative maps are expected to be redrawn in multiple states this year, including Texas, North Carolina and Ohio.

“We started this project six years ago because American voters deserved fair maps that represent our diverse communities—and we needed a coordinated strategy to make that happen. Our strategy worked, but the threat to fair maps continues and so must NDRC’s work.  John and Marina have been critical to our success, and we are fortunate to have them leading NDRC into this new decade. NDRC would not exist without Kelly Burton and her incredible energy, wise counsel, and unyielding faith in America. Congress—and our democracy—would look very different without her,” said Eric H. Holder, Jr., the 82nd Attorney General of the United States and Chair of the NDRC.

“For years, when anyone has asked me about the challenge of redistricting, I’ve said just two words: Eric Holder. His leadership on this important but often underestimated aspect of our democracy has been profound, and we are fortunate he is continuing to lead America in this fight for fair maps and a strong democracy. Kelly Burton has led NDRC with integrity, passion, and a clear-eyed strategy focused on results. John Bisognano and Marina Jenkins will do a great job building from this strong foundation. With redistricting still consequential for our democracy in 2024 and beyond, I am thrilled NDRC and Eric Holder will be at the helm to lead this fight into the next decade,” said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.

“For the past six years, the National Democratic Redistricting Committee has done the hard work of redrawing and reinstating district maps to make them more fair. Their work has meant the difference between victory and defeat, and our democracy is in stronger shape because of what they have accomplished. I’m incredibly proud of the work that my friend Eric Holder, along with Kelly Burton and the entire team at NDRC, has done, and I’m glad that John Bisognano, who started as an organizer on my 2008 campaign, will lead them moving forward,” said President Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States. 

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND ON NEW NDRC LEADERSHIP: 

John Bisognano is a veteran of the Obama White House, Democratic National Committee, and multiple presidential campaigns. He has been with the NDRC and affiliates since 2017, as the Executive Director and Director of Campaigns. He began his political career as an organizer for the 2008 Obama campaign. Before getting into politics, he worked in minor league baseball as the Visiting Clubhouse Manager for the Pawtucket Red Sox. John earned a B.A. and MBA from Providence College and was raised in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. 

Marina Jenkins has served as the Director of Litigation and Policy for the NDRC and affiliates since 2017. Before joining the NDRC, Marina practiced law with Jenner & Block LLP, where she focused on government controversies, public policy litigation, and election law. Marina served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Robert L. Wilkins of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. She is a graduate of Stanford Law School and Princeton University, and grew up in New Jersey. 

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