New York Judge Rules GOP-Held District Is Unconstitutional, Orders New Map

A New York state judge has ordered the state’s congressional map to be redrawn by early February, ruling that the current boundaries of New York’s 11th Congressional District violate the state constitution and reduce the voting power of Black and Latino residents. The decision, issued on Wednesday (January 22), affects the only Republican-held district in New York City, which is currently represented by Nicole Malliotakis.

According to NBC News, Judge Jeffrey Pearlman concluded that the Staten Island-based district was drawn in a way that diluted minority votes, ordering the state’s Independent Redistricting Commission to submit a new map by February 6. The case was brought by local residents who argued that the district lines unfairly grouped communities, limiting their electoral influence.

The order could have significant political consequences. Redrawing the district may make it more favorable to Democrats and could impact the reelection prospects of Rep. Malliotakis. The decision is expected to be appealed, and the process could ultimately involve both the state Legislature and possibly federal courts if the commission deadlocks or legal challenges continue.

Democratic leaders welcomed the ruling, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stating, “This ruling is the first step toward ensuring communities of interest remain intact from Staten Island to Lower Manhattan. The voters of New York deserve the fairest congressional map possible.”

Republican officials criticized the decision, with New York GOP Chair Ed Cox calling it “a partisan ruling made by a partisan judge in a case brought by a notoriously partisan attorney.”

Rep. Malliotakis described the lawsuit as “a frivolous attempt by Washington Democrats to steal this congressional seat” and said she remained confident in prevailing.

The ruling comes as states across the country engage in contentious redistricting battles, with both major parties seeking to influence congressional maps ahead of the next election.