Pollster John McLaughlin criticized Democratic-led redistricting efforts in New York on Thursday, stating both major parties engage in political map-drawing while accusing Democrats of hypocrisy on the issue.
On a recent segment, McLaughlin highlighted changes to congressional district lines in New York, noting they had significant consequences for Republicans. He cited: “In 2024, ‘the Democrats redistricted because the judge drew fair lines and Republicans won 11 seats.’ And guess what [New York Gov. Kathy] Hochul did? They came back. They did a redistricting thing in spite of referendums that passed statewide.”
McLaughlin emphasized New York’s redistricting process has been contentious, involving legal disputes and court-ordered map revisions before the 2022 midterms. That year, Republicans gained seats under maps drawn by a court-appointed expert.
He argued subsequent changes reversed these outcomes: “They redrew the lines, which cost us Brandon Williams’ seat in Syracuse,” he said. “And it cost us New York District 3 because they all of a sudden they started redrawing the lines again in 2024.”
Additionally, McLaughlin criticized Governor Hochul for condemning redistricting efforts in other states: “Then Governor Hochul has the nerve to attack Governor [Greg] Abbott for redistricting in Texas,” he stated.
