Nov 11, 2024 Story by: Editor
NEW YORK — With control of the House of Representatives on the line, New York lawmakers revealed the state’s new congressional maps for 26 districts. The changes set the stage for intense political battles, especially in Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and Central New York, though the impact will be felt across the state.
As Democrats and Republicans gear up for these critical contests, the stakes are high: each party vies for dominance in Washington, with the potential to shift the balance of power in the House.
“If even just a couple of New York House seats switch, the balance of power truly could pivot on that,” explained CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane. “That’s why it’s not just New York lawmakers and people who live in New York who care about this. The whole political nation cares about this.”
In redrawing the maps, New York’s Democratic-controlled Legislature attempted to avoid overreaching to minimize the risk of court challenges. The result: two Democrats received added protection, two Republicans faced tougher re-election races, and some districts, like Mike Lawler’s Dutchess County seat, were left unchanged.
“This is a district Joe Biden won by 10 points in 2020. There are 70,000 more Democrats than Republicans. It’s home to Bill and Hillary Clinton and George Soros,” said Lawler, who holds the seat. Albany Democrats and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who was involved through proxies, appear confident they can flip this district.
However, Lawler remains optimistic. “I feel confident about the work that we have done, the bipartisan work that we have done. I’m confident that come November, regardless of what the district lines will be, we will be victorious,” he said.
While Lawler is expected to face a challenging race, other Republicans could also struggle. Democratic voters have been added to Marc Molinaro’s Rockland County district and Brandon Williams’ Syracuse district. On the other hand, newly elected Long Island Congressman Tom Suozzi and Rep. Jamaal Bowman of Westchester are likely satisfied with the new maps.
Suozzi’s district has lost the red-leaning Massapequa area, gaining Democratic-leaning Cold Spring Harbor and Huntington Station. Meanwhile, Bowman successfully requested the inclusion of Co-Op City in his district to help counter a challenge from Westchester County Executive George Latimer.
State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris defended the adjustments, noting that out of the 10 districts revised, six favor Republicans. “They should really take a deep breath and realize that this proposal is fair and not intended to advantage or disadvantage anyone in particular,” Gianaris said.
The remapped districts have already led to one resignation: Democrat Jim Gaughran announced he would no longer seek the Democratic nomination against Long Island Republican Nick LaLota, whose district gained more Republican voters. Source: CBS News
