New York Republican Asks Supreme Court to Restore Congressional District

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Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) has filed an emergency appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, urging the justices to stop a New York state judge's order to redraw her congressional district. The judge ruled that the current boundaries dilute the voting power of Black and Latino residents on Staten Island, violating the state's constitution. Malliotakis argues the redraw is unconstitutional and will throw New York's elections "into chaos" before the 2026 midterms.

Why it matters

The dispute over Malliotakis' district is part of a broader nationwide battle over redistricting and gerrymandering, with both parties jockeying to gain electoral advantages ahead of the crucial 2026 midterm elections. The Supreme Court's decision on this emergency appeal could have significant implications for the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

The details

A New York judge struck down the boundaries of Malliotakis' district, which spans Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn, ruling that it dilutes the voting strength of Black and Latino residents. The judge ordered the state's Independent Redistricting Commission to draw a new map, preventing the midterm contests from moving ahead until then. Malliotakis argues this effectively forces the state to racially gerrymander a new district, violating the federal Constitution's equal protection guarantee.

• The judge's ruling ordering a redraw of the district was issued in February 2026.
• Candidates can begin circulating nominating petitions for the 2026 midterm elections on February 24, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Supreme Court will decide whether to grant Malliotakis' emergency request to stop the redrawing of her district before the 2026 midterm elections. If the Court rules in her favor, her current district boundaries would remain in place for the upcoming elections.