A judge on Wednesday ordered New York to redraw the boundaries of the only congressional district in New York City held by a Republican, ruling that the current map unconstitutionally dilutes the voting power of Black and Hispanic residents.
Republicans signaled they would appeal the decision, which injects New York into a widening national fight over redistricting as both parties seek an edge in the battle for control of the U.S. House.
State Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Pearlman ruled that the district represented by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, which spans parts of southern Brooklyn and Staten Island, violates protections against racial vote dilution. The lawsuit was brought by an election law firm aligned with Democrats, arguing that the district lines failed to reflect demographic changes, particularly growth among Black and Latino voters on Staten Island.
Pearlman said the challengers presented strong evidence of racially polarized voting and a history of discrimination that continues to affect political participation and representation. He also cited evidence that racial appeals remain a factor in contemporary political campaigns.
The judge ordered New York’s Independent Redistricting Commission to redraw the district by Feb. 6, giving the panel just over two weeks to act.
The commission, created by voters to curb partisan gerrymandering, holds primary responsibility for drafting congressional maps and is required to do so without favoring either political party. In past redistricting cycles, however, the panel has failed to reach consensus, allowing the Democrat-controlled Legislature to step in and adjust district lines.
Republicans criticized the lawsuit as a partisan maneuver aimed at eliminating one of the few remaining GOP-held districts in the state.
“This is a frivolous attempt by Washington Democrats to steal this congressional seat from the people,” Malliotakis said in a statement. “We are very confident that we will prevail at the end of the day.”
The ruling comes as redistricting fights intensify nationwide. Roughly a third of states have explored redrawing congressional maps since President Donald Trump urged Republicans to revisit district boundaries to help protect their narrow House majority in this year’s midterm elections. Democrats have responded with legal challenges and redistricting efforts of their own, though in some states they face restrictions imposed by anti-gerrymandering laws they previously championed.
In New York, Democrats have long sought ways to regain ground after Republicans flipped several competitive districts in recent elections. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, has pledged to engage in the national redistricting battle but has limited options to dramatically reshape the state’s map before the election.
The current congressional map was drawn by the Democratic-led Legislature and signed into law by Hochul. It was designed to strengthen Democrats’ position in several battleground districts ahead of the 2024 elections. While Democrats gained some seats under that map, Republicans ultimately secured control of the House.
Pearlman’s ruling opens the door to further changes that could again reshape New York’s congressional delegation — and potentially influence the balance of power in Washington.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it’s not “both sides,” it’s sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
Read the full article here
