Supreme Court blocks redrawing of New York congressional map

Ruling deals a win for GOP, overriding a state court decision that would have likely flipped a Republican district to Democratic.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Supreme Court has intervened in New York's redistricting process, blocking a lower court decision that would have redrawn the state's 11th congressional district, which includes Staten Island and part of Brooklyn. The district is currently held by a Republican, but a state court judge ruled the current map dilutes the power of Black and Latino voters. The GOP appealed to the Supreme Court, which granted a stay on the redrawing, dealing a win for Republicans.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing partisan battles over congressional redistricting, with the Supreme Court's conservative majority siding with Republicans in blocking a map that could have flipped a GOP-held district to Democrats. It also raises questions about the court's role in overriding state-level redistricting decisions.

The details

The 11th congressional district in New York is currently held by Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. In January, a state Supreme Court judge ruled that the current district map dilutes the power of Black and Latino voters, violating the state constitution. Malliotakis and the Republican co-chair of the state Board of Elections appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing the redrawn map would be an unconstitutional 'racial gerrymander.' The Supreme Court granted a stay on the redrawing, blocking the lower court's decision.

  • On January 21, a state Supreme Court judge ruled the current 11th district map dilutes minority voting power.
  • On February 24, New York's congressional election cycle was set to officially begin, with candidates seeking placement on the ballot.

The players

Nicole Malliotakis

Republican U.S. Representative who currently holds the 11th congressional district in New York.

New York State Board of Elections

The state agency responsible for overseeing elections in New York, with a Republican co-chair who appealed the redistricting decision.

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What they’re saying

“By granting these applications, the Court thrusts itself into the middle of every election-law dispute around the country, even as many States redraw their congressional maps ahead of the 2026 election.”

— Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court Justice (NPR)

What’s next

The case will now move through the New York State appeals courts. If the losing party petitions and the Supreme Court agrees to hear the challenge, the stay will extend until the final opinion is announced.

The takeaway

This Supreme Court decision underscores the court's willingness to intervene in partisan redistricting battles, overriding state-level decisions that could shift the political balance of power in Congress. It raises concerns about the court's role in election-related disputes and the potential impact on minority voting rights.