Credit: Xinhua/Sipa USA
U.S.-VIRGINIA-PRIMARY-VOTING-SUPER TUESDAY
NEW YORK -(77-WABC) New York state lawmakers will vote this week on a set of congressional maps that would boost the Democratic Party’s chances of winning additional seats, though Republicans are threatening to challenge the lines in court.
The Gothamist reporting the state legislature’s redistricting task force – controlled entirely by Democrats – unveiled its proposed maps on Sunday, clearing the way for a full vote as soon as Wednesday and putting the Democratic Party in an advantageous position to make gains. It is the first time in a century Democrats have had this much say over redistricting.
The proposal was required to reduce New York’s congressional delegation from 27 to 26, based on the latest Census numbers. And it was put forward after a more-independent panel reached a stalemate, paving the way for lawmakers to draw the lines themselves.
It would make major changes throughout the state, including the blending of a district along the Sound Shore that would include parts of Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens and Westchester County.
If approved, 22 of the state’s 26 congressional districts would have a Democratic enrollment advantage – a gain of three that could help the party potentially pick up seats as it clings to a narrow House majority nationally.
