The Daily Redrawing the Map in New York
Sep 23, 2021
Nicholas Fandos, a political correspondent for The New York Times, dives into New York's redistricting chaos. He discusses the potential impact of gerrymandering as Democrats consider an unexpected shift towards this contentious tactic. The conversation highlights how the changing demographic landscape post-2020 census plays a critical role in the power dynamics of the House. Fandos critiques the ethical dilemmas faced by the Democratic Party while assessing the nuances of independent commissions in the face of deepening partisanship.
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NY Democrats and Gerrymandering
- New York Democrats consider using gerrymandering, a tactic usually associated with Republicans, to gain control of the House.
- This is crucial as redistricting could significantly impact the 2022 midterm elections.
Bipartisan Commission's Limited Power
- New York established a bipartisan commission in 2014 to handle redistricting, aiming to create fairer maps.
- However, the Democrats' supermajority allows them to override the commission's decisions.
Democrats' Redistricting Power Play
- Democrats could redraw districts to flip Republican seats in Long Island, New York City, and upstate.
- This could lead to a significant shift in New York's congressional delegation, potentially from 19 Democrats and 8 Republicans to 23 Democrats and only 3 Republicans.