Supreme Court Preserves NY 11th District Lines for 2026

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday to preserve the boundaries of New York's 11th Congressional District, blocking a state court order that would have required redrawing the lines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The decision, issued without a detailed opinion or vote tally, maintains the district encompassing Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn, currently held by Republican Representative Nicole Malliotakis.

A state judge had earlier determined that the existing map unconstitutionally diluted the voting power of Black and Hispanic residents in the district, which is the only one in New York City represented by a Republican. The judge directed New York's Independent Redistricting Commission to draw new boundaries. Malliotakis and state Republican officials filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court, arguing that the redrawing would disrupt the election process, which began qualifying last week, and could result in a map that improperly considers race in districting.

The high court's action stays the lower court's ruling, allowing the current map to stand for the upcoming elections. Justice Samuel Alito issued a concurring opinion supporting the decision,...