New York State Democrats are proposing changes to the state constitution that would allow for a new congressional map ahead of the 2028 elections. The plan includes amending the constitution to enable the legislature to redraw congressional maps by a simple majority vote, which would require voter approval in a referendum in November 2027. The proposed changes would permit mapmakers to consider partisan goals in their redistricting efforts.
Senate President Andrea Stewart Cousins stated that these changes are necessary to maintain a fair electoral process in response to Republican-led redistricting efforts. The proposal aims to ensure that the Independent Redistricting Commission remains the primary body for drafting maps following the decennial census, while also preventing judges from appointing a special master for redistricting in the event of a legal challenge.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has advocated for a Democratic response to what he describes as GOP gerrymandering. Currently, Democrats hold 19 of New York's 26 U.S. House seats, and the proposed redistricting could potentially add four more seats for the party by altering swing districts and targeting Republican-held areas.
