Tim Briggs, who represents much of Lower Merion in the 149th Legislative District, and Mary Jo Daley, who represents all of Narberth and a large part of Lower Merion, in the 148th District – both have too many constituents, according to the 2020 Census.
As of April 2020, Pennsylvania’s population was 13,002,700. If you divide that by 203 (the total number of districts in the Pennsylvania House), you wind up with an average population of 64,052 for each legislative district.
However, Daley’s 148th District had a population of 70,894. And Briggs’ 149th District was even more “over-populated” with 71,433 residents.
In 2010, the 148th District only had a population of 61,694. The 149th District’s 2010 population was 61,624.
Within Lower Merion, the 148th District covers Merion, parts of Penn Valley, part of Bala Cynwyd and Gladwyne. Beyond Lower Merion, the district extends west to Norristown and north east as far as Fort Washington.
Most Lower Merion neighborhoods that are south and west of Montgomery Avenue are in Briggs’ 149th District, which extends northwest to Valley Forge and Northeast, to the edge of Norristown.
Pam DeLissio’s 190th District is a little over the average, but within the acceptable variance, with 65,965 residents. Most of the 190th is in Roxborough, Manayunk and East Falls – but it does include all of Belmont Hills, parts of Penn Valley and Bala Cynwyd.
Greg Vitali’s 166th District is also a little over the average, with 66,223, residents. That’s also within the acceptable variance. Most of Haverford Township and much of Radnor are in the 166th. In Lower Merion most of Ardmore and Haverford are in the 166th District.