A judge in New York has ruled that the state’s 11th Congressional District must be redrawn, concluding that its current boundaries violate constitutional rules against partisan gerrymandering. The decision introduces major uncertainty ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and could reshape New York’s congressional representation.
The ruling was issued by Laurence Love, a justice of the New York Supreme Court, who found that the district’s lines were drawn in a way that improperly favored one political party. The case was brought by a group of New York voters who argued that the boundaries diluted fair representation and undermined the state constitution.
The district, currently represented by Nicole Malliotakis, includes all of Staten Island along with parts of southern Brooklyn. It is notable for being the only Republican-held congressional seat within New York City. Under the court order, the New York State Independent Redistricting Commission has been directed to produce a revised, nonpartisan congressional map by February 28, 2026.
If the commission cannot reach agreement by the deadline, responsibility for drawing the new map will shift to the state legislature, which is controlled by Democrats, with final approval resting with the governor. Any new district lines are expected to face further legal scrutiny, and appeals are anticipated to move quickly through the courts.
Rep. Malliotakis criticized the ruling, describing it as politically motivated, and indicated plans to challenge the decision. The outcome of that appeal could determine whether the new district boundaries are finalized in time for the 2026 elections.
The decision follows years of legal battles over New York’s congressional maps. In 2022, courts rejected maps drawn by lawmakers, leading to the use of a court-ordered plan in subsequent elections. This latest ruling marks a rare instance in which a district created through that court-supervised process has itself been invalidated.
With control of the U.S. House of Representatives often hinging on a small number of seats, the redrawing of New York’s 11th District could have implications beyond the state, potentially influencing the national political balance in the next election cycle.
Don’t miss this gripping report-“Federal Agent Fires Shots During Immigration Operation in Willowbrook, One Officer Hurt” uncovers critical details and unanswered questions that make this blog a must-read.
