New York court throws out congressional maps in blow to Republicans that could have national consequences in 2024
- In a 4-3 opinion issued Tuesday, the court ordered the state's redistricting commission to draw a new map by Feb. 28, 2024.
- The state's liberal legislature has the final say on the map — and Republicans have warned Democrats will gerrymander
A New York court decided to let the state's Democratic-led Legislature draw its congressional maps — in what could be a huge blow to the Republican majority in the House of Representatives.
In 2022, the road to victory for Republicans went straight through New York – they flipped four seats in the typically blue state. Democrats need a net five seats to win back the House of Representatives next cycle.
The seven-judge panel's decision follows a nearly two-year lawsuit over the Empire State map.
Republicans were already expected to face an uphill battle to retain the seat left vacant by the expulsion of Rep. George Santos.
In a 4-3 opinion issued Tuesday, the court ordered the state's redistricting commission to draw a new map by Feb. 28, 2024. The state's liberal legislature has the final say on the map — and Republicans have warned Democrats will switch.
Rep. Mike Lawler, one of four Republicans who flipped blue seats in 2022
Rep. Marc Molinaro, RN.Y., another freshman who flipped a blue seat at Empire State
“We are disappointed but not surprised by the Court's decision to grant Democrats a second attempt to retake the maps,” said Savannah Viar, spokeswoman for the NRCC, the campaign arm of Republicans in the House of Representatives. , in a statement. “Instead of focusing on policies that appeal to ordinary voters, Democrats are trying to cheat their way to power.”
The state's Independent Redistricting Commission stalled last year, and the Legislature stepped in to draw its own map. The Democratic-controlled legislature came up with a map so favorable to Democrats that it was thrown out by a state court and replaced with a court-drawn map.
“Today's decision opens the door for Democrats to manipulate our district lines in Congress so that elections are decided not by voters, but by backroom politicians,” said Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and state chairwoman of the Republican Party, Ed Cox. a statement.
Democrats, meanwhile, celebrated the card.
“We want the Independent Redistricting Commission to get back to work creating a new, fair congressional map – through the process New York voters envisioned,” said Susan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee .