New York Governor Kathy Hochul said Thursday she is reviewing the possibility of redrawing the state’s congressional map before the end of the decade, a move that would echo efforts by Republicans in Texas to reshape their districts following a public push from former President Donald Trump.
Speaking at an event near Rochester, Hochul said she was “following the rules” but added that she would work with Democratic congressional leaders to explore redistricting options if other states pursue similar political strategies. The comment signals growing interest among Democrats in using redistricting as a tool to maintain or expand their representation in Congress.
Trump has urged Republicans in Texas to redraw the state’s congressional lines to secure additional GOP seats. That call has triggered warnings from Democratic leaders in other states, who argue that failing to respond could lead to long-term disadvantages in the U.S. House of Representatives.
New York’s constitution currently permits redistricting only once per decade, based on population data from the U.S. Census. Additional redraws can typically only occur if courts intervene and overturn existing maps. Legal and legislative experts have said that absent such a ruling, any mid-decade redrawing would likely face immediate legal challenges.
In 2022, an attempt to enact new Democratic-favored congressional lines in New York was struck down by the state’s highest court for violating anti-gerrymandering provisions. A revised map was approved in 2024 and used in that year’s congressional elections. The current configuration gives Democrats a 19–7 advantage among the state’s 26 seats.
Republican officials swiftly criticized Hochul’s remarks, accusing her and legislative Democrats of attempting to manipulate the process for political gain. GOP leaders argue that New York’s existing redistricting laws were designed specifically to prevent this kind of partisan maneuvering.
Democratic leaders in the state legislature have largely avoided public comments on the issue. However, some have acknowledged that redistricting could return to the courts depending on how other states proceed.
Legal scholars note that New York’s constitution includes strict anti-gerrymandering language and public process requirements, making any future redraw a politically fraught and procedurally difficult undertaking.
Still, with both parties increasingly treating redistricting as a central strategy in the battle for control of Congress, pressure is building on state leaders to take preemptive action—or risk falling behind.
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