Judge Orders New Map, Putting Malliotakis’s Staten Island Seat at Risk
A New York judge ruled Staten Island’s GOP-leaning 11th District dilutes minority votes, ordering a redraw by Feb. 6; Republicans vow appeals and warn consequences.
Overview
State Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Pearlman found evidence of racially polarized voting and historical discrimination, concluding the 11th District’s lines unlawfully dilute Black and Latino voting power.
The 11th District, covering Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn, must be redrawn by the Independent Redistricting Commission by Feb. 6 to comply with the ruling.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and New York Republicans labeled the decision partisan and announced legal challenges, including potential appeals to higher state and federal courts.
Plaintiffs, supported by Democratic-aligned counsel, argued demographic changes require linking Staten Island to lower Manhattan to boost minority representation; a new map could shift the seat Democratic.
The ruling is part of a broader mid-decade redistricting battle nationwide; its outcome could influence 2026 House contests and prompt additional litigation over congressional maps.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the ruling as a legal vindication for protecting minority voting power and place it in a national redistricting tug‑of‑war. Editorial choices—foregrounding the judge’s findings of racial vote dilution and quick inclusion of Democratic praise—shape perception; partisan remarks from Republicans (e.g., Malliotakis calling the suit "frivolous") are presented as source content rather than framing.
Sources (10)
FAQ
State Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Pearlman ruled that the district unconstitutionally dilutes Black and Latino voting power.
The Independent Redistricting Commission must redraw the map by February 6, 2026.
Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis currently holds the 11th District seat.
Republicans, including Rep. Malliotakis, have labeled the decision partisan and plan to appeal to higher state and federal courts.
The redraw could make the 11th District more Democratic-leaning by linking Staten Island to lower Manhattan, potentially shifting the seat from Republican to Democratic control.
History
7 sources