US Rep. Wiley Nickel goes skydiving to bring attention to gerrymandering bill

RAEFORD, N.C. (WNCN) – U.S. Congressman Wiley Nickel jumps more than 13,000 feet from an airplane in Raeford to bring attention to his federal gerrymandering bill. 

His proposed Fair Maps Act would require all 50 states to redistrict and establish non-partisan redistricting commissions. This could potentially eliminate either party from controlling most congressional districts in each state, creating more competitive elections.

“What we see in Congress is 90% of the seats go to whoever wins the Democratic primary or the Republican primary. Only less than 10% of the seats like I currently sit in that are competitive. We need fair maps if we want democracy to work right,” Nickel said. 

On Tuesday, Nickel along with North Carolina Rep. Laura Budd of Mecklenburg County joined Nickel to skydive in Raeford with the All Veteran Group. The risky jump comes after recent controversial redistricting in North Carolina.

“When you have politicians to draw the maps. They draw the maps in a way to enrich themselves and keep themselves in power,” State Representative Budd said. 

“Gerrymandering in this election season is reducing the number of competitive seats. You know, my seat is gone because of gerrymandering,” Congressman Nickel said. 

Nickel hopes the bill he introduced last session will pass after November’s election. He said it would put redistricting back in the hands of voters. 

“Politicians shouldn’t be trusted to draw their own maps,” Nickel said. 

For more on Fair Maps, click here.