Overview
- A Manhattan trial judge ruled on Jan. 21 that the Staten Island–southern Brooklyn district unlawfully diluted Black and Latino voting power and barred use of the current map while ordering a redraw.
- Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and Republican election officials filed emergency applications asking the Supreme Court to stay the order by Feb. 23, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor handling the request for the circuit.
- The Supreme Court has directed the voters challenging the map to respond by Feb. 19 at 4 p.m. Eastern, and no ruling has been issued.
- The U.S. Solicitor General filed an amicus brief backing an injunction pending appeal, while Republicans argue the remedy would force an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.
- Plaintiffs say the appeal is premature and state courts can resolve the case, and the redistricting commission’s work is automatically paused under state law, intensifying timing pressures.