New York Democrats release new congressional maps – with no public input

Albany, New York - New York lawmakers released their plans to redraw the state's congressional maps, with Republicans complaining that Democrats are deploying many of the same shady tactics they themselves have been accused of using in other states.

Democratic lawmakers in Albany took over the redistricting process for New York after the bipartisan commission's negotiations broke down.
Democratic lawmakers in Albany took over the redistricting process for New York after the bipartisan commission's negotiations broke down.  © IMAGO / agefotostock

Democrats are teeing up for a tough fight to maintain their majorities in Congress in the 2022 midterm election year.

It seems they are using all the weapons at their disposal in states like New York, where they control the state legislature and governorship.

That includes redistricting, or the once-in-a-decade redrawing of electoral maps based on US Census data.

Marjorie Taylor Greene fans slam Laura Loomer for calling her "white trash embarrassment to MAGA"
Marjorie Taylor Greene Marjorie Taylor Greene fans slam Laura Loomer for calling her "white trash embarrassment to MAGA"

A new congressional map proposal, released on Sunday, would give Democrats a leg up in 22 out of 26 House districts.

"With the stroke of a pen they can gain three seats and eliminate four Republican seats," redistricting expert Dave Wasserman told the New York Times.

"That’s a pretty big shift," he said. "In fact, it’s probably the biggest shift in the country."

State Democratic leaders took over the process after negotiations among the members of the bipartisan redistricting commission broke down along party lines. Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul has said she will likely sign the new maps if they pass in the state legislature.

New York Republican Party Chairman Nick Langworthy said the maps were an example of "textbook filthy, partisan gerrymandering," suggesting a court challenge was all but certain.

"These maps are the most brazen and outrageous attempt at rigging the election to keep Nancy Pelosi as speaker," he continued.

But Republicans aren't the only ones to complain about the state's redistricting process. Advocates of fair map-drawing have called out the complete lack of public hearings on the proposed changes.

Ultimately, this means everyday New Yorkers will have very little say in how their communities are represented for the next 10 years.

Cover photo: IMAGO / agefotostock

More on US politics: