Carnegie Mellon University
Headshot of Cervas

I study representation

Jonathan Cervas is an Assistant Teaching Professor at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), specializing in American political institutions, redistricting, and voting rights. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine, where his research focused on the quantitative assessment of the U.S. Electoral College and its effects on representation. His work examines the structural elements of American democracy, with an emphasis on vote dilution, political polarization, and the impact of institutional design on electoral outcomes. He has numerous publications in journals including The Proceedings of the National Academy, Election Law Journal, Political Geography, and Presidential Studies Quarterly.

Dr. Cervas has served in key roles in redistricting processes across multiple states. In 2021, he was the redistricting consultant for the Pennsylvania Legislative Reapportionment Commission, contributing to a bipartisan legislative plan upheld by the state Supreme Court. In 2022, he was appointed as Special Master by the New York State Supreme Court to redraw congressional and state senate districts. Most recently, in 2024, the Wisconsin Supreme Court engaged him as a consultant to evaluate new legislative district maps. His expertise in political geography, statistical modeling, and districting methodologies informs both his academic work and applied policy contributions.

At CMU, Dr. Cervas teaches courses on American government, political representation, and electoral systems. His research integrates data-driven analysis with practical applications in governance and policymaking. He is also actively involved in initiatives aimed at fostering civil discourse and bridging ideological divides in electoral and legislative processes.

Journal Articles

    Redistricting Case Involvement
    2024 WI Consultant

    Wisconsin

    Clarke v. WEC (2024)

    I was appointed court co-consultant to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. I was tasked with evaluating and reporting to the court remedial proposals submitted by parties to the case. The litigation involved a remedy for both the state Assembly and Senate maps after the Court found the prior maps consisted of non-contiguous districts in violation the state constitution.
    View Report:
    (PDF)

    2022 NY Special Master

    New York

    Harkenrider v. Hochel (2022)

    I was appointed Special Master tasked with drawing the 2022-2030 NY Congressional and State Senate Maps.
    Special Master Report:
    (PDF)
    View Congressional Map:
    Download High-Quality Map: (SVG) (PNG)
    Dave's Redistricting: (DRA)
    View State Senate Map:
    Download High-Quality Map: (SVG) (PNG)
    Dave's Redistricting: (DRA)

    PA LRC

    Pennsylvania

    Legislative Reapportionment Commission (2021-2022)

    I served as the redistricting consultant for the Pennsylvania Legislative Reapportionment Commission. The LRC developed state Senate and House of Represenative lines for the 2020 decade. Those maps were approved via a bipartisan vote, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court unanimously affirmed their constitutionality.

    Allen v. Milligan

    Alabama

    Allen v. Milligan (2023)

    I submitted two remedial plans for the court's consideration.
    Memo to the Special Master:
    (PDF)
    View 2021 Plan - Minimal Change:
    Download High-Quality Map: (SVG)
    Dave's Redistricting: (DRA)
    View 2023 Plan - Minimal Change:
    Download High-Quality Map: (SVG)
    Dave's Redistricting: (DRA)

    Sumter County

    Georgia

    Wright v. Sumter County School Board (2020)

    As the Assistant to the Special Master, I helped redraw Sumter County's racially gerrymandered school board.

    San Juan County

    Utah

    Navajo Nation v. San Juan County (2019)

    The Navajo Nation had been denied represenation in the county commission. My redraw allowed them to elect a majority for the first time in American history.

    Tennessee

    Tennessee

    Moore v. Lee (TN)

    I am an expert witness for the plaintiffs. I have filed five reports regarding either the TN House or TN Senate. See here. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

    New Mexico

    New Mexico

    Republican Party of New Mexico v. Oliver (NM)

    I wrote an amicus brief in support of neither party: Amicus Brief

    Expert Witness (NEW YORK COMMUNITIES FOR CHANGE et al v. COUNTY OF NASSAU et al)

    Nassau County, NY

    New York Communities For Change et al v. County of Nassau (2025)

    I was an expert witness for the plaintiffs. Read more about the case with coverage for NPR. The case was settled, and the challenged map was replaced with one with features that mirrored those of my illustrative map.
    Expert Report:
    (PDF)
    Reply Expert Report:
    (PDF)
    View Illustrative Map:
    Dave's Redistricting: (DRA)

    2020 PA House