Judge tosses lines of NYC’s only Republican House seat, as state enters redistricting wars

A judge has thrown out the boundaries of New York City's only Republican congressional seat, ordering a redrawing due to unconstitutional vote dilution of Black and Hispanic residents. The decision affects the district held by Republican U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis in southern Brooklyn and Staten Island. Republicans plan to appeal as this case becomes part of a national gerrymandering battle. Democrats argue the current lines ignore Staten Island’s growing Black and Latino populations. Gov. Kathy Hochul has shown interest in the redistricting fight, though legislative options are limited before the 2024 elections.