New York Democrats have settled on a sweeping constitutional amendment that could dramatically alter the state’s congressional redistricting process, opening the door to redrawing district lines in a way that could help the party gain several Republican-held House seats before the 2028 elections, Politico reports.
The proposal would allow Democrats to pursue a more aggressive redistricting strategy in New York’s 26-member congressional delegation, potentially shifting as many as four GOP-held districts into Democratic territory and strengthening the party’s position in a state that remains home to several competitive swing seats.
According to a summary of the plan, Politico reports, the amendment would eliminate the constitutional ban on redrawing district lines in the middle of the decade, permit legislative approval of new maps by a simple majority vote, and remove existing language that prohibits drawing districts to benefit political parties.
Democratic leaders had spent weeks weighing two possible approaches—one that would permit modest revisions to district boundaries and another that would allow for far more substantial changes. Ultimately, lawmakers chose to advance a single amendment designed to provide maximum flexibility for future redistricting efforts. Legislative leaders intend to vote on the measure before the current session concludes Thursday.
Even if approved by lawmakers, the amendment would still need voter approval in a statewide referendum scheduled for November 2027. Both parties expect that campaign to become one of the most expensive political battles in the country, with any approved changes taking effect ahead of the 2028 elections.
The move represents New York Democrats’ official entry into a growing national struggle over congressional maps, one that could significantly influence the balance of power in Washington for years to come.
“New York cannot afford to stand still. We cannot ignore the reality that Republicans have repeatedly sought to undermine democracy through various attempts to gain political advantage,” New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said in a statement. “At a time when democracy is under attack across the country, we have a responsibility to protect all voters including the minority communities and ensure that every New Yorker continues to have a voice.”
The issue has long been a priority for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who has urged Democratic-controlled states to respond more aggressively to Republican redistricting efforts nationwide. Jeffries previously tasked Congressman Joe Morelle with coordinating the effort alongside state lawmakers.
The battle over congressional maps has intensified across the country during the past year. Democratic redistricting efforts have faced setbacks in some states, while court rulings elsewhere have created opportunities for Republicans to strengthen their position. With the GOP currently holding an estimated 10-seat advantage attributable to redistricting, Democrats view New York as one of their strongest opportunities to regain ground.
At present, Democrats hold a 19-7 edge in New York’s congressional delegation. Revised district boundaries could place several Republican incumbents in jeopardy, including one of the two Republican-held seats on Long Island, the Staten Island district represented by Nicole Malliotakis, the Hudson Valley seat held by Mike Lawler, and one of several Republican districts in upstate New York.
Republicans have already signaled that they intend to fight the proposal aggressively.
“Bring it on, we will fight back, and we will win,” Lawler said about the likely referendum. “New York Democrats, who proclaim to want to protect democracy — they only protect it when it’s convenient, when it suits their purpose, when it helps them gain power. They don’t care one iota about the integrity of our elections when it serves their purpose.”
The amendment would significantly restructure the constitutional framework governing redistricting. While districts designed to weaken minority voting power would remain prohibited, the language would be revised to align with recent Supreme Court rulings. Requirements that districts remain geographically connected would also stay in place.
At the same time, the proposal would remove language prohibiting maps drawn “for the purpose of favoring or disfavoring incumbents or other particular candidates or political parties.” Eliminating that restriction would allow lawmakers to pursue a much more aggressive partisan redistricting strategy than New York has attempted in previous decades.
The state’s independent redistricting commission would remain intact under the proposal. However, lawmakers point to the commission’s first experience in 2022, when an even split between Democratic and Republican commissioners led to deadlock and a prolonged legal battle that ultimately resulted in a judge throwing out Democratic maps and drawing new congressional lines himself.
Although the commission would continue to operate during the next redistricting cycle in 2032, the Legislature would gain clearer authority to step in and draw maps if the commission again reaches an impasse. The proposal would also impose stricter deadlines to reduce the likelihood of court challenges disrupting elections after campaigns have already begun.
Another major change would make it easier for lawmakers to approve new district maps. Under the amendment, simple majorities would be sufficient, replacing the higher voting thresholds currently required.
Democrats remain mindful of the political risks. In 2021, voters rejected a previous redistricting-related amendment following a well-financed campaign led by the Conservative Party. Party leaders acknowledge that convincing voters to focus on a constitutional amendment during an off-year election presents a significant challenge.
“All parties have to come together and determine what the strategy is going to be so that voters know about the referendum and favor it,” said state Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs.
When asked whether a major financial effort would be required to persuade voters, Jacobs replied, “I believe so, yes.”
Republicans, meanwhile, view the fight as critical to preserving one of their few remaining areas of influence in New York politics. Since losing control of the State Senate in 2018, the party’s congressional districts—particularly in the politically competitive suburbs surrounding New York City—have become some of its most important strongholds.
“It’s pretty clear that this is not motivated by good-government notions,” former Republican Congressman John Faso said.
Democrats counter that the changing national landscape leaves them little choice but to adapt if they hope to remain competitive in future congressional battles.
“The world has changed dramatically on the issue of redistricting just in the last couple of years,” state Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris said. “You have some states jumping in off-cycle to draw new lines, you have the Supreme Court upending the Voting Rights Act. It’s critical that states like New York don’t keep ourselves out of the conversation and give us an opportunity to be responsive to what’s happening.”
{Matzav.com}
