ALBANY – After the New York State Legislature rejected the last proposal for redistricting of congressional maps developed by the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) last Monday, February 26, the Democratic supermajority introduced new congressional maps by drawing their own district lines. 

The legislation was proposed early last week, before passing the state Senate by a 45-17 vote and the Assembly by a 115-3 vote on Wednesday, February 28. From there, it went to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk, who signed it into law. 

The process being expedited was possible due to Hochul also passing a message of necessity last Wednesday morning, allowing legislators to forgo the three-day waiting period normally required before taking action on bills. 

In the new map, Republican Marc Molinaro’s 19th Congressional District is affected. Molinaro’s district currently represents all of Sullivan, as well as Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Greene, Tioga and Tompkins counties and parts of Otsego and Ulster counties. Portions of Ulster County, which is currently under Democrat Pat Ryan’s 18th Congressional District, shift to the 19th District in the new map.

Rematch for NY-19

Molinaro also gave his thoughts on the redistricting, looking ahead to the anticipated rematch between himself and challenger Josh Riley. 

“I’ve won here, fought for these communities and affectionately call this district the place where Upstate meets Downstate,” Molinaro said. 

The New York Times reported that Molinaro’s opponent, Democrat Josh Riley, is considering abandoning NY-19 in response to the changes, which Riley disputed.

The anticipated challenger for NY-19 said he believes in the promise and potential of Upstate New York. 

“NY-19 is the community where I was born, where I was raised and where we live,” said Riley. “It’s also the last truly competitive district in Upstate New York, and I’m going to fight like hell for it.”

Molinaro said, “While the New York Times reports my opponent DC Lawyer Josh Riley considered abandoning this district again because NY Republicans have consistently won here, I’m committed to staying in the fight for every person in NY-19, regardless of political affiliation.”

Reaction from 

Senator Oberacker

New York State Senator Peter Oberacker responded to the new congressional district maps on Wednesday, February 28, saying that the lines were “rushed to the Senate floor.” 

“New York voters have consistently called for fair election districts, but tone-deaf Albany Democrats only care about their own political well-being,” Oberacker said. “Once again this week, the proof was on full display as independently drawn maps, as called for in the state constitution, were jettisoned by the Democrat majority and swiftly replaced by district lines they concocted.”

Oberacker said that he voted in favor of the congressional maps developed by the IRC as they were developed through the constitutional process, but voted no on the new proposed maps drawn by Democrats “in total disregard for the will of the people.”