In a significant development for New York politics, Congressman Mike Lawler praised the decision of the NY Independent Redistricting Commission to advance a Congressional map that keeps New York’s 17th District largely unchanged. The commission’s 9-1 vote marks a pivotal moment in the state’s redistricting process, drawing attention to the demand for fair and competitive electoral maps.
Lawler’s statement highlighted the public’s clear message from the beginning of this redistricting effort: New Yorkers want equitable representation. He referenced the recent history of redistricting battles, noting the overturning of what he termed the “unconstitutional Hochul-mander.” According to Lawler, the commission’s current proposal represents a return to fair representation, aligning with the constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2014.
The congressman emphasized the urgency for the New York State Legislature to adopt these bipartisan maps promptly. He warned that any delay could complicate the petitioning process and affect the primary season. Lawler called on all Congressional candidates, including his opposition, to advocate for a quick legislative process, framing any attempt to modify the proposed maps as partisan gerrymandering.
This recent approval by the redistricting panel signifies a departure from the contentious 2021 redistricting efforts, where partisan disagreements led to separate proposals from Democrats and Republicans. That deadlock resulted in the Democratic-led legislature drawing its own lines, which were subsequently invalidated by the court, leading to the adoption of the map used in the 2022 elections.
The decision to advance the map without significant changes was welcomed as a move away from previous partisan conflicts, potentially setting a new precedent for fairness in the state’s congressional representation. The approved map and further details can be accessed on the commission’s website, offering the public a transparent view of the proposed congressional districts.