Proposed redistricting maps for New York could help Democrats gain three seats in the House.
While party leaders said there was no political motivation, the new map looked to be an obvious form of gerrymandering, even though many Democrats have condemned Republicans of doing the same thing in other states.
A bipartisan group was supposed to be tasked with drawing the new districts, however, the commission could not agree, and that left the job up to Democratic leaders.
Some accused the Democrats of orchestrating the commissions’ failure so that they would be handed the power to do it themselves.
State Sen. Michael Gianaris said state Democrats did the best they could under the circumstances and defended the new lines.
The new map would give the Democrats a chance to win seats in Long Island, upstate New York and in New York City, where Staten Island Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R) would be drawn into a Democratic-leaning district. Districts on the fence would also be tilted toward the Democrats.
The new lines could be voted on as soon as Wednesday. Democrats have large majorities and Gov. Kathy Hochul has signaled that she would be willing to approve it.
Republicans had been heavily favored to win back the House in November, but New York gives Democrats a sliver of new hope.
