Long Island Congressional districts pretty much stay “as is.”
One Republican Congressional district in Syracuse would lean a little towards the Democratic side of the aisle.
Most Congressional lines stay the same with competitive races staying in place around the Empire State.
For the most part, that’s the recommendation from the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC), tasked with coming up with new boundaries and maps for the 26 Congressional districts across New York.
Those maps were sent to the State Legislature, who now must vote up or down, approve or reject, the proposed Congressional boundaries.
“I am extremely proud to lead this Commission as we came together across the aisle and created a single map proposal to send to the Legislature. This is a historic moment for this Commission and for the State of New York," IRC Chairman Ken Jenkins said.
“Today’s vote is a demonstration of the commitment of the members on this commission, to achieving the compromises envisioned by the voters which established this commission,” added IRC Vice Chairman Charles Nesbitt.
Reaction to the proposed maps fell right along party lines. Republicans appear pleased with the district maps, knowing they have a fighting chance at retaining some seats due to the competitive nature of the districts.
Democrats are steaming mad, hoping newly drawn districts would create more safe seats that cut GOP districts while giving Democrats a better chance of winning more.
“These maps are a disgrace and should be rejected by the Legislature,” said Democratic State Senator James Skoufis.
“If the Democrats in the Legislature insist on playing even more hyper partisan political games, they are going to find themselves right back in court,” said former Congressman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin.
More than likely court is exactly where this process is going to wind up, since Democrats control the majority of both the State Senate and Assembly.
To see the maps passed by the IRC, you can visit www.nyirc.gov.