BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

Just days after rejecting a new map of congressional districts created by a bipartisan redistricting commission, state Democrats and a handful of Republicans have approved a New Democrat-drawn congressional map.

The new map was approved by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday after passing the Assembly 115-33 and the Senate with a vote of 45--17.

"I remain uncertain of the necessity for rejecting maps prepared and voted in support of by the Independent Redistricting Commission which is the body responsible for the bipartisan process, only with a conclusion that it is blatant display of disdain for bipartisanship in lieu of political power move," Assemblyman Scott Gray told NCTW.

This is the second time in as many years that Democrats have rejected a congressional map designed by the neutral commission, opting instead to redraw congressional lines themselves.

Democrats opted to toss out the map that was created by the Independent Redistricting Commission. The commission approved their own map by a 9-1 vote on Feb. 15.

Democrats potentially gain slight edge in swing districts

The new map would give Democrats moderate boosts in a handful of battleground districts as state officials and federal officials alike jockey for control of Congress in elections this fall.

The newly designed Democratic map appears to split the difference between the existing map and the one previously proposed by the state's bipartisan redistricting commission.

As for the North Country, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik's district will see moderate shifts in the central part of the state, as well as the Capital region.

Of note, Stefanik would lose Fort Drum in NY-21 under the newly designed map.

In a statement released shortly after the map was approved, Stefanik was critical of previous efforts by Democrats in designing the map but said the new map is a "legal and political victory."

“I am still honored to represent Fort Drum, and as a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will always be the strongest voice for the North Country and Fort Drum’s servicemembers and families," Stefanik said in her statement.

Under the IRC map, Stefanik would have continued to represent eastern Jefferson County, which includes Fort Drum, all of St. Lawrence County and a portion of the Capital Region north of Albany.

Boundaries would have moved slightly, removing Alexandria Bay but incorporating towns and cities including Camden, Rome and Carthage.

Suburban areas targeted

Some of the key areas that saw changes were suburban districts that Democrats have identified as keys to success in their attempt to win back seats in the House of Representatives and possibly the House majority.

In particular, downstate districts were changed, including the seat now held by Democrat Tom Suozzi who won in a special election following the resignation of George Santos.

Santos was expelled from Congress following multiple felony charges and allegations of embezzlement and fraud.

Stefanik's NY-21 remains what many are calling a "Republican stronghold," despite the recent changes.

Such changes have upset many Republicans who have suggested a lawsuit similar to the one filed in 2022 may be needed.

That lawsuit was launched just one day after Democratic lawmakers in Albany approved their own redistricting map that Republican officials argued would have heavily favored the party in the midterm elections.

Plaintiffs argued that the new district lines violated a 2014 state constitutional amendment that was to protect against partisan district drawing, arguing the state legislature "brazenly enacted a congressional map that is undeniably politically gerrymandered in their party's favor."

Following a state Court of Appeals decision to throw out the Democratic party's map, a special master was brought in to draw maps with no input from either party, leading to the maps that were used during the last election cycle.

A 2023 ruling by the Court of Appeals found the special masters' maps were not intended to be used until the next census but rather as a bridge to the next election that would allow the IRC and legislature another attempt to follow provisions in the state constitution to redraw district maps.

That decision has led state lawmakers to this point, officials say.

No more "judge shopping," Democrats say

In a corresponding move, Democrats also approved a bill that would limit where redistricting cases can be filed, a move that some Republicans have said will keep the lawsuit from appearing before conservative justices.

The new law will limit challenges to just Albany, Eric, New York County and Westchester, according to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

Gray was critical of the move, saying the limitations placed by the new law, coupled with the "political power move" of designing a new map, "all leads to the same conclusion."

“We just feel that those are the four jurisdictions that are best equipped to handle these types of cases,” Heastie said.  

Andy Goodell, Republican Assembly Minority Leader Pro Temp chided Democrats during debate, questioning how the decision to limit legal challenges to four counties is "consistent with our oath of office."

“Are we afraid of allowing the courts to easily consider a constitutional challenge? Are we afraid because the last time they looked at it, they ruled it was unconstitutional," he questioned Democrats.

But according to Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, who sponsored the bill, the new law is to "curtail shopping for a judge."

“Here you wouldn't be able to do that. You go to a certain place, you know where to go, and the administrative law judge would then pick the judge that has to preside over that case," he said.

"There's no doubt in my mind that Democrats feel that this map is better for Democrats, but I know I've spoken with many of my members in Congress who do think this is not a terrible map for Republicans," State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt said.