In a decision that could significantly impact the 2024 U.S. House of Representatives elections, the New York Court of Appeals has ruled that the state’s Independent Redistricting Commission must redraw congressional district lines.
The 4-3 ruling states that the commission did not fulfill its constitutional duty and must submit new maps to the state Legislature for approval by February 28, 2024.
This decision follows a string of Republican victories in New York in 2022, contributing to the GOP’s slim majority in the House.
The ruling enables the commission, established by a 2014 constitutional amendment, to reconvene and revise the congressional district boundaries.
This development is seen as a significant win for Democrats and may have lasting implications for both New York and national politics going into the next elections.
The ruling overturns the current congressional lines, which were drawn by a special master after the Court of Appeals struck down the previous maps drawn by the Democrat-controlled Legislature in spring 2022. These earlier maps were criticized for being heavily gerrymandered to favor Democrats and were ruled procedurally unconstitutional.
The special master’s maps led to considerable Republican success in the state during the 2022 midterms, including flipping four seats previously held by Democrats.
The ruling sets the stage for a renewed battle over the political landscape in New York, with far-reaching consequences for future elections.
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