Republicans Ask Supreme Court to Intervene in N.Y. Redistricting Case

Lawyers for Rep. Nicole Malliotakis seek to block ruling that would redraw her district lines

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Lawyers for Republican Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis have filed an emergency application with the U.S. Supreme Court, asking it to block a state court ruling that would redraw her district in New York's 11th Congressional District. The ruling found the district unconstitutional due to disenfranchisement of Black and Latino voters. Republicans are attempting to bypass New York's higher courts, hoping the conservative-leaning Supreme Court will provide a faster and more favorable ruling.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing partisan battle over redistricting and gerrymandering, with Republicans seeking to maintain control of the only Republican-held congressional district in New York City. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

The details

In their emergency application, Malliotakis's lawyers argued that waiting for decisions from New York's Appellate Division and Court of Appeals would create 'unconstitutional chaos' ahead of the February 24 deadline for circulating petitions. A similar appeal was also filed by Republican members of the state Board of Elections, who bemoaned the 'irreparable' administrative harm caused by the judge's order.

  • The emergency application was filed with the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • The deadline for circulating petitions is February 24, 2026.

The players

Nicole Malliotakis

A Republican Congresswoman representing New York's 11th Congressional District, which encompasses Staten Island and parts of South Brooklyn.

New York State Court of Appeals

The state's highest court, whose seven judges were appointed by Democratic governors.

U.S. Supreme Court

The nation's highest court, which has a conservative-leaning majority.

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What they’re saying

“The wait for decisions from New York's higher courts, the Appellate Division and Court of Appeals, is a recipe for unconstitutional chaos.”

— Nicole Malliotakis's lawyers (New York Times)

“The judge's order has created 'irreparable' administrative harm ahead of the Feb. 24 deadline for circulating petitions.”

— Republican members of the New York State Board of Elections (New York Times)

What’s next

The U.S. Supreme Court has not yet responded to the emergency application filed by Malliotakis's lawyers. The court's decision could have significant implications for the upcoming congressional elections in New York.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing partisan battle over redistricting and gerrymandering, with Republicans seeking to maintain control of the only Republican-held congressional district in New York City. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the balance of power in the House of Representatives.