However, the 2018 and 2020 election cycles take on even greater significance because the decennial redistricting process is set to begin in 2021. (ncsl.org)
The eight - term Democrat's Santa Barbara - based district was redrawn in the decennial redistricting process, making it less favorable for her party. (rollcall.com)
But the decennial redistricting process redrew the district to be friendlier — though still difficult — for Democrats, and Kirkpatrick won a comeback bid last cycle by more than 3 points. (rollcall.com)