#ny26

Dem Rep Pledges to ‘Review’ 9/11 Truth Claims

“That process is out of my hands. I think that with two seats being reduced in the New York delegation, it’s a complicated process to begin with. But people will look at the most logical constructs and formats for seats,” he said. His district, he noted, is cohesive and makes sense given the historical ties of Mohawk Valley communities. “It really speaks to a comprehensive construct. There’s every effort made to keep small cities clustered and have some sort of similar quality to the districts we represent,” he said. “There was a huge population loss in western New York, and there’s a challenge to those who will develop the seats to make sure that some sort of harmonious outcome drives those communities together as we draw those seats.”

Hochul’s win throws a sizeable wrench into that premise. And by Wednesday morning, her win was forcing consultants and incumbents all over the state to re-evaluate their expectations about the congressional redistricting process. “It screws it up majorly,” said one Democratic strategist familiar with the redistricting process.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown predicted that Albany will work to safeguard Hochul. “She is now a national darling,” Brown said. “I think people are going to be looking very carefully at the way the map is drawn.” Longtime congressman John LaFalce said he thinks western Democrats will be able to protect Hochul, Brian Higgins and Louise Slaughter.