Court Orders New Congressional Map for New York

New York’s highest court Tuesday ordered an independent commission to draw a new congressional map for the state ahead of next year’s election, a major win for Democrats hoping to take back the U.S. House of Representatives.

The case argued that the way New York’s maps were drawn for the last election cycle — by a special master, instead of an independent redistricting commission — was ultimately illegal. 

“In 2014, the voters of New York amended our Constitution to provide that legislative districts be drawn by an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC). The Constitution demands that process, not districts drawn by courts,” the ruling stated, noting that the IRC failed to successfully create a congressional map for the last election cycle, “The Appellate Division concluded that the IRC can be compelled to reconvene to fulfill that duty.” 

“We agree. There is no reason the Constitution should be disregarded,” the decision continued. 

It was a victory for Democrats who lost a handful of congressional districts in New York during last year’s midterm elections, but are only five seats away from the House majority. The slim House margin has put a new kind of pressure on redistricting cases. With such a small majority, every seat counts in the battle for the majority in the lower chamber. A new map could offer Democrats a lifeline in a state that has gotten increasingly competitive, despite being a traditionally blue stronghold. 

“Today’s decision is a win for democracy and particularly the people of New York,” Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Suzan DelBene said in a statement. “We are eager for the Independent Redistricting Commission to get back to work to create a new, fair congressional map – through the process New York voters intended.”

John Bisognano, President of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, called the decision a “victory for New Yorkers.” 

“The 2020 Census data demonstrated that New York has become more urban and diverse over the past decade and less rural. I am confident that the independent commission can conduct a transparent process that will lead to a congressional map that more accurately reflects trends of the state’s Census data and the will of the voters. Now it’s time for the commission to get to work on behalf of the voters in time for the 2024 election,” his statement continued.  

However, Republicans were quick to criticize the court’s ruling, including the National Republican Congressional Committee and at least one New York Republican congressional member.  

“We are disappointed but not surprised by the Court’s decision to allow Democrats a second attempt at gerrymandering the maps,” said NRCC Spokeswoman Savannah Viar in a statement. “Instead of focusing on policies that appeal to everyday voters, Democrats are trying to cheat their way to power. We will continue to hold them and their terrible policies--that have led to an open border, rising crime and rampant inflation-- accountable.”

Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican who currently represents a seat in a district President Joe Biden won in 2020, called the decision “corrupt Albany politics at its worst.” 

“This politically motivated decision is just the beginning of this process, not the end,” Lawler said in a statement. “As Albany and Washington Democrats seek to gerrymander the congressional lines in the coming weeks, there will undoubtedly be further legal action. Regardless of the outcome, New Yorkers will remember next November and in November of 2026.”