Judge rules lines of NYCs only GOP House district are unconstitutional
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 12:12 am
NYC Congressional District Lines Ruled Unconstitutional, Setting Stage for Legal Battle
A New York Supreme Court judge has declared the current boundaries of New York City's sole Republican-held congressional district unconstitutional. The ruling, which is expected to be appealed, could significantly alter the political landscape in the city and potentially impact the balance of power in the House of Representatives.
Judge Jeffrey Pearlman, who previously worked as an attorney for Governor Kathy Hochul, determined that the district lines, which encompass parts of Staten Island and Brooklyn, violate the state constitution by disenfranchising minority voters. The decision comes after a legal challenge, with the judge citing a provision of the New York State Constitution designed to protect voting rights.
The ruling has drawn sharp criticism from the New York Republican Committee Chairman Ed Cox, who characterized the decision as partisan. Cox accused the judge of making a partisan ruling in a case brought by a partisan attorney, and criticized the overturning of the maps outside of the standard 10-year cycle following the census.
The case was filed last year, coinciding with redistricting efforts in other states, including Texas. The judge refused a request to recuse himself from the case.
The NAACP New York State Conference has praised the ruling, stating that it affirms the state constitution's requirement that district lines not be drawn to exclude communities from political power.
The redrawing of the district lines could also influence the upcoming primary for the neighboring 10th Congressional District, potentially affecting the campaigns of current Representative Dan Goldman and former City Comptroller Brad Lander. Goldman has indicated his willingness to run in the redrawn district if asked, emphasizing his commitment to regaining the House majority and supporting Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker. The judge has set a deadline of February 6th for the creation of new maps.
BNN's Perspective: This ruling highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding redistricting and the importance of fair representation. While the legal battle is far from over, the decision underscores the need for transparent and non-partisan processes in drawing district lines. The potential impact on the upcoming elections underscores the high stakes involved in these legal challenges.
Keywords: New York, redistricting, congressional district, unconstitutional, Judge Pearlman, Nicole Malliotakis, Dan Goldman, Ed Cox, minority voters, gerrymandering, Supreme Court, elections, voting rights, New York City, Staten Island, Brooklyn.