06/04/2026
STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF REDISTRICTING REFORM AMENDMENT FROM SENATE CITIES 1 COMMITTEE CHAIR ERIK BOTTCHER
At a time when states across the country are aggressively redrawing congressional districts to gain partisan advantage, New York must have the tools necessary to protect fair representation and respond to changing circumstances. The New York State Senate has taken an important step to strengthen and modernize our redistricting process by passing a constitutional amendment that provides greater clarity, accountability, and transparency in how legislative and congressional district lines are drawn. This proposal preserves the role of the Independent Redistricting Commission while establishing clear timelines and procedures to prevent the kind of deadlock and uncertainty New Yorkers experienced after the 2020 census.
It ensures that elected representatives, accountable to the voters, can act when the process breaks down, while maintaining important protections for voting rights and communities of interest. Ultimately, this amendment will be decided by the voters, giving New Yorkers the final say on how their democracy should function. I was proud to support this measure and look forward to continuing the
conversation about how we can build a more effective, transparent, and resilient redistricting process for the future.
