Jeffries Surrogate Presses New York Democrats for Fast Action on Redistricting

Rep. Joe Morelle, dispatched by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, says he believes in independent redistricting but not if only some states are bound by it.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul joins Congressman Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) in Albany to provide an update on redistricting. Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Rep. Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) said on Tuesday that New York’s legislature should make sure that a state constitutional amendment enabling mid-decade redistricting gets its first passage before lawmakers adjourn the first week of June.

Dispatched to Albany on May 5 by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Morelle laid out the timeline at a press conference after meeting with Democratic leadership in the state, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, and state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.