Gov. Kathy Hochul is proposing to disband New York's Independent Redistricting Commission and give the Legislature more control over future congressional maps.
She made the announcement Monday during a press conference, claiming Republican-led states like Texas are gaming the system.
Critics, including Hudson Valley Assemblyman Matt Slater, say bypassing the commission is a dangerous power grab that would disenfranchise voters. "The Independent Redistricting Commission was authorized through a voter referendum in 2014, and it has ensured that we have nonpartisan redistricting process here in the state of New York," Slater said. "And it is just pathetic political pandering on behalf of Gov. Hochul for her now to say that she wants to undo the will of the voters."
Hochul's proposal would require a constitutional amendment and could not take effect until at least 2028.