Hochul vows to explore 'every option' to redraw NY House maps
Share this @internewscast.com


New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) vowed Monday to explore “every option” to redraw the state’s congressional maps in response to Texas’s midcycle redistricting push.

“There’s a phrase, ‘You have to fight fire with fire.’ That is a true statement of how we’re feeling right now,” Hochul told reporters alongside New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D) and several Texas Democrats.

“And as I’ve said, another overused but applicable phrase, ‘All’s fair in love and war.’ That’s why I’m exploring with our leaders every option to redraw our state congressional lines as soon as possible,” she continued, noting state legislative leaders were “on board.”

“We’re already working on a legislative process, reviewing our legal strategies, and we’ll do everything in our power to stop this brazen assault,” she added.

Texas state House Democrats fled their state Sunday to deny Republicans a quorum the minimum number of lawmakers needed in order to conduct business blocking the House from passing a map that would offer the GOP five additional pickup opportunities. The current maps in Texas already given Republicans a strong partisan advantage.

A Texas House panel had advanced the maps last week, teeing up a vote on the House floor.

Texas Democrats traveled to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts, all of which are Democratic-led states. Speaking to reporters Sunday night, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) said the state would protect Texas Democrats who are facing arrest in addition to incurring a daily $500 fine over breaking quorum.

New York, where House maps were struck down by a court in 2022 for giving a partisan advantage to Democrats, faces a conundrum over middecade redistricting.

For one, the Empire State uses a redistricting commission to draw its maps, though they are subject to the state Legislature’s approval. A second issue is that any amendment to the state constitution requires it to be passed in two consecutive sessions before going before voters, meaning New York Democrats wouldn’t be able to change their maps in time for the 2026 cycle.

Hochul acknowledged those constraints, saying, “it is not the timeline that I would have preferred.”

“We’re going to also look at litigation strategies,” Hochul said. “We’re in close conversations about options there, and so I would say this we’re considering all options right now.”

Hochul notably agreed with the idea that the redistricting commission approved by voters in 2014 should be disbanded or changed.

“I’m tired of fighting this fight with my hand tied behind my back,” she said.

New York is not the only Democratic-led state to explore options over midcycle redistricting in response to Texas’s move California is also weighing several avenues over how to ultimately change its House map. Florida is doing so, too, on the GOP side.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Stunning Northern Lights Illuminate Tri-Cities: Rare Aurora Borealis Display Captured in Photos

In an unexpected celestial spectacle, the aurora borealis graced the skies over…

Maine Political Landscape Shifts: Senate Candidate Exits Race to Compete in Crucial House Primary

PORTLAND, Maine – The Democratic primary race to challenge Republican Senator Susan…

Local Grocers Struggle as SNAP Benefit Reductions Hit Convenience Stores Hard

Just over a year ago, Ryan Sprankle had the opportunity to host…

Suspected Solo Heist Targets Roman Statues at Syria’s Premier Museum

DAMASCUS – Officials revealed on Wednesday that the recent theft of several…

Two Suspects Charged in Connection with Kingsport Homicide Investigation

Two individuals are facing charges after a man was discovered deceased in…

Triumphant Triumph: Dobyns-Bennett Chosen to Champion Tennessee at 2024 Special Olympics USA Games

Four exceptional athletes from Dobyns-Bennett High School’s Unified Track and Field team…

Congress Reconvenes to Resolve Lengthy Government Shutdown Crisis

WASHINGTON – After an extended hiatus of nearly eight weeks, the House…

Federal Shutdown Sparks Uncertainty for Maine Cancer Patient Facing Heating Challenges

BAILEYVILLE, Maine – For Gerard Berry, setting the thermostat to a cool…

Catch the Next Starlink Satellite Launch from Florida: Here’s Your Viewing Guide

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – SpaceX is gearing up for yet another exciting…

Two Individuals Charged with First-Degree Murder in Kingsport Case

In Kingsport, Tennessee, authorities have charged two individuals with first-degree murder following…

Breaking: Russia Advances in Southern Ukraine with Intensified Front-Line Offensive

KYIV – Ukraine’s top military leader announced on Wednesday that Russian forces…

Unraveling White Flag Protocols: Why Tri-Cities’ Salvation Army Centers Tailor Their Emergency Responses

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – With the Tri-Cities region bracing for temperatures…