The New York Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) adopted new congressional lines last week. However, concerns from some prominent political leaders may prevent the proposal’s approval by the state legislature.
A consensus
The IRC formed after voters across the state passed a public referendum in 2014. The referendum ensured that both parties could work together to create an equitable set of congressional lines.
And now, long-time Yonkers resident, Deputy County Executive, and Chair of the IRC, Ken Jenkins achieved a 9-1 vote among the bipartisan IRC members who have agreed on a set of lines for New York’s 26 Congressional districts.
I am proud to say that we have worked collaboratively and cooperatively and will be voting on a single consensus plan, for the first time. Every member made a good faith effort to bring to fruition the 2014 amendment to the (NY) Constitution. We had the goal of seeking compromise, and this is a victory for the commission process and for “small d” democracy in the state of New York.
Ken Jenkins
These congressional lines now make their way to the state legislature and Governor Hochul to be approved or rejected. If the lines are rejected, the Democratic-controlled chambers must draw new lines within the next week to meet the start of petitioning season on Feb. 27.
Democratic discontent
There are no fewer than five competitive Congressional races that could swing the balance of power of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2025. The champion of that change is the current House Minority Leader from Brooklyn, Hakeem Jeffries.
Jeffries did not mince his words, clearly stating his opposition to the IRC’s proposed map. Citing concerns on equitable representation of minority groups, he believes the IRC failed to correct the current map’s flaws.
Instead of remedying several of the substantive issues raised by good government groups related to communities of interest, the IRC map ignores or exacerbates them in parts of New York State.
Hakeem Jeffries – U.S. Representative 8th District
And per an anonymous quote from one Democratic insider to City & State New York, “These maps are very much not what the Democrats had hoped for, and certainly not what DC wants to see.”
Some state lawmakers have already stated that they will vote down the map. Senators James Skoufis of the Hudson Valley and Sean Ryan of Western New York have already issued statements discrediting and shutting down the proposed map. State Senator from Manhattan, Liz Krueger, also expressed disappointment that the map changed little from the perceived Republican-leaning maps of 2022.
Representing Yonkers
Congressman Jamaal Bowman represents New York’s 16th district which includes the north Bronx, Yonkers, and most of Westchester County. The two-term incumbent faces another primary challenge this cycle. This time, from a cornerstone of Westchester politics, County Executive George Latimer.
The race appears to be framed almost exclusively by the candidates’ level of support for Israel’s military response to the October 7th terrorist attack. And while headlines regarding this race often cite fundraising totals and their respective donor’s affiliations, the Congressional map likely weighs more heavily on the race’s outcome.
Bowman’s first win came under a map with a larger Bronx population. And despite the 2022 lines removing a substantial portion of his voter-base, Bowman still garnered 54% of the vote against three primary challengers from Westchester County. With the proposed lines for the 16th Congressional District unchanged, Bowman can only hope his previous support remains unchanged. However, there’s no guarantee the new map becomes law. And an unexpected re-drawing could shift this race in either candidate’s favor.
