Judge Blocks New York Congressional Map Over Democratic Gerrymandering

Topline

A New York judge on Thursday struck down the state’s new congressional and legislative maps over Republican complaints the maps put the GOP at an unfair disadvantage, sending the Democratic-controlled state legislature back to the drawing board.

Key Facts

Key Background

The redistricting process around the country has been rife with allegations of gerrymandering, both from Republicans and Democrats. Maps of at least 14 other states are still in litigation, while four states still haven’t completed maps, according to FiveThirtyEight. Maryland is among the states that haven’t completed a map and its lawmakers are in a similar position to New York’s, after a state judge last week tossed a Democratic-proposed map for “extreme party gerrymandering.”

Contra

Louisiana on Wednesday became the latest state to approve a new congressional map, with the legislature overruling Gov. John Bel Edwards’ (D) veto, after the governor argued the map from the GOP-controlled legislature did not adequately represent the state’s Black population. The move was the first successful veto override in Louisiana in 31 years. Republican-controlled legislatures in several Southern states have been accused of drawing maps that dilute Black populations, which traditionally vote Democratic.

Further Reading

Louisiana GOP Passes New Congressional Map—Blocking Veto From Democratic Governor Who Said It Underrepresents Black Voters (Forbes)

Supreme Court Leaves In Place Alabama Congressional Map Tossed Out By Lower Court Due To Racial Imbalance (Forbes)