Story perspectives

NY Senate, Assembly Approve Redistricting Amendment, Adds Democratic Seats

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

The New York state Senate and Assembly approved an amendment on June 4, 2026 that allows redistricting, could add four Democratic-leaning seats for the 2028 elections, and requires passage by both chambers and voter approval in 2027.
Governor Kathy Hochul said the amendment lets people counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to rig elections.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the amendment a response to Court rulings that weakened Voting Rights Act.

History

Historical Context

In 1993 the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling authored by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, struck down North Carolina’s 12th district as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, ordering new maps within twelve months. The decision created the strict-scrutiny standard that Governor Kathy Hochul and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries cite in a 2026 New York amendment to overhaul Senate and Assembly districts and curb alleged election-rigging.

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Story summary

The New York state Senate and Assembly approved an amendment on June 4, 2026 that allows redistricting, could add four Democratic-leaning seats for the 2028 elections, and requires passage by both chambers and voter approval in 2027.
Governor Kathy Hochul said the amendment lets people counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to rig elections.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the amendment a response to Court rulings that weakened Voting Rights Act.

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