The Brian Lehrer Show Answering the Texas Redistricting Strategy
Jul 31, 2025
Michael Gianaris, New York State Senate Deputy Majority Leader, and Micah Lasher, Assemblymember from Manhattan's Upper West Side, tackle the implications of Texas' off-cycle redistricting. They discuss a proposed New York constitutional amendment for mid-decade redistricting to counteract Texas’ partisan strategy. The conversation dives into the complexities of fair representation, the urgent need for proactive measures in New York, and the evolving dynamics of political campaigning and accountability. Their insights shed light on the future of congressional power.
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Legal Challenges To Texas Redistricting
- Courts can challenge redistricting based on unfairness or racial discrimination, but not necessarily on doing it mid-decade.
- Texas likely faces legal challenges on the fairness of its new district lines.
NY Redistricting Flaws and Court Rulings
- The 2020 New York Democratic redistricting effort was struck down as unconstitutional by a court with Democratic appointees, highlighting flaws in partisan attempts.
- The legislature ultimately has power to draw districts, and current maps are legislatively drawn.
Independent Commission Designed To Fail
- The independent redistricting commission created in 2014 was flawed and designed to fail with gridlock.
- Its failures contributed to the current challenges with fair redistricting in New York.