Bloomberg Law Challenge to New York City's Only Republican House Seat
Oct 29, 2025
Jeffrey Weiss, a professor at New York Law School and a redistricting expert, discusses a lawsuit challenging New York City’s only Republican congressional seat, highlighting the push to enhance minority voting power by incorporating lower Manhattan. Erik Larson, a Bloomberg legal reporter, explains President Trump's appeal of his New York hush-money conviction, detailing claims of flawed trial processes and potential presidential immunity. Together, they explore the intricate relationship between law and politics in these high-stakes matters.
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NY-11 Vote Dilution Claim
- Plaintiffs argue NY-11 dilutes Black and Hispanic voting strength by pairing Staten Island with parts of Brooklyn instead of Manhattan. They say adding Lower Manhattan would give minorities a more effective chance to elect preferred candidates.
Who Brought The Lawsuit
- The lawsuit was filed by law firms with Democratic ties, including Elias Law Group and a New York firm as local counsel. Those firms have histories of representing Democrats and national committees in redistricting litigation.
State Law vs. Federal Voting Rights
- Plaintiffs rely on the New York State Constitution and seek to import standards from New York's 2022 State Voting Rights Act. The pending U.S. Supreme Court scrutiny of Section 2 could alter federal baselines but state law can set different standards.