NY State Court of Appeals Calls for New Congressional Map
In a significant development, New York’s highest court, the State Court of Appeals, has directed the state to redraw its congressional map. This decision, which came with a 4-3 vote, is seen as a significant victory for the Democrats in their pursuit of control over the US House of Representatives in the 2024 election. The court has instructed the state to initiate the mapmaking process afresh.
Independent Redistricting Commission to Create New Map
The bipartisan Independent Redistricting Commission of New York has been assigned the responsibility of creating a new map. The Democratic-controlled state legislature will have the final say over the new boundaries for New York’s 26 congressional districts. This long-anticipated decision could potentially aid Democrats in their mission to flip a significant number of Republican-held House seats next year.
Impact on GOP’s Majority in the House
The GOP currently maintains a razor-thin majority in the chamber, which has been further reduced following the recent expulsion of New York Republican George Santos. The court’s decision overturns last year’s court-drawn map, which had enabled New York Republicans to flip four seats, contributing to their party’s majority win in the House in 2022.
Republicans Likely to Challenge New Map
New York Republicans, who have promptly criticized the ruling, are expected to contest any new map they perceive as being gerrymandered by state Democrats. “The decision today opens the door for Democrats to rig our Congressional district lines so that elections are decided not by the voters, but by politicians in a back room,” stated New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, the chair of the House GOP Conference, and Ed Cox, the chairman of the New York GOP, in a joint statement.
Democrats Welcome the Ruling
Democrats in the Empire State have welcomed the ruling. “Today’s redistricting decision will ensure all New Yorkers are fairly and equitably represented by elected officials,” expressed New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and state Attorney General Letitia James in a joint statement.
Background of the Redistricting Battle
The battle over New York’s congressional map dates back to a constitutional amendment approved by voters that established the Independent Redistricting Commission to curb partisan gerrymandering. However, the bipartisan commission failed to reach an agreement on a map for use in the 2022 election following the 2020 census. The state legislature then stepped in and drew its own map that heavily favored Democrats, but this map was later blocked by the Court of Appeals. A court-appointed special master then drew the map used during the 2022 election.
Democrats’ Argument for a New Map
Democrats, contending that the court-drawn map should not be used for more than one election, returned to court requesting the Independent Redistricting Commission to attempt again. The Court of Appeals, now under more liberal control, concurred. “In 2014, the voters of New York amended our Constitution to provide that legislative districts be drawn by an Independent Redistricting Commission,” Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson wrote for the majority. “The Constitution demands that process, not districts drawn by courts.” The court has ordered the commission to create a map by February 28.
Redistricting Battles Across the Nation
Both political parties have been engaged in intense battles over redistricting this year, often over one or two seats. Republicans scored a significant victory earlier this year when the GOP-controlled legislature in North Carolina drew new lines that could help the party gain at least three seats currently held by Democrats. If these gains in the Tar Heel state withstand a court challenge, they could offset any Democratic pickups that may emerge in New York.