New York Governor Kathy Hochul has approved a congressional map that gives her fellow Democrats a modest boost in a few battleground districts. Lawmakers in the Democrat-dominated statehouse approved the mapping bill Wednesday. Hochul signed it hours later.
With little debate, the lines drawn by Democrats, who lead both the Senate and Assembly, were approved, with a handful of Republican minority party lawmakers also voting yes.
The measure passed 115-33 in the Assembly and 45-17 in the Senate.
The vote comes two days after Democrats rejected district lines recommended by a bipartisan redistricting commission.
Republicans accused Democrats of ignoring the state’s constitution, which requires the commission — known as the Independent Redistricting Commission, or IRC — to draw the maps. But Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said the constitution also allows lawmakers to alter the maps if they choose to.
“I think that sometimes, even the media forgets that the Legislature still has a role. We don't have to just pass whatever the IRC passed; it doesn't mean that whatever the IRC passed means it's perfect,” said Heastie. “The constitution does leave it with the Legislature to make the final say on lines.”
The revised lines are marginally more favorable to some Democratic incumbents and could present a slightly tougher challenge to some Republican congressmembers who are seeking reelection.
Gov. Hochul, who issued a message of necessity to accelerate the voting, said she intended to expedite her review of the maps, adding that she wouldn't be drawn into the political arguments surrounding the lines.
“As with every bill, I look at it when it's completed, I make my determination,” Hochul said. “And I'm not going to pass judgment on the process thus far. I have heard from a lot of people that it is an improvement from the point of view of one party. I'm not here to weigh in on the political dynamic involved here.”
Legal challenges to the new congressional lines were anticipated, but so far, no Republicans have said they intend to file a lawsuit.
