Erie County Republican Chairman Michael Kracker criticized Albany Democrats following the State Legislature’s approval of a plan to redraw New York’s judicial districts. According to Kracker, this move undermines judicial independence and favors one-party rule.
“This is nothing short of a judicial gerrymander. Democrats in the Legislature have taken full control of New York’s courts, stacking the Court of Appeals, redrawing judicial maps to favor their party, and now advancing a bill that would put our courts firmly under the control of the Democratic machine,” Kracker stated.
The legislation reportedly alters judicial districts by removing elected Republican judges and consolidating election law cases in areas favorable to Democrats. It also increases power for Democratic Party insiders.
Kracker criticized the process as lacking transparency: “This blatant backroom power grab – pushed through without a single public hearing, Judiciary Committee review, or input from the Office of Court Administration or the New York State Supreme Court Justices Association – will erode public trust and inject raw partisan politics into what was once a respected, independent branch of government.”
He specifically called out local legislators Sean Ryan and Jon Rivera for supporting the bill: “Erie County Democrats like Sean Ryan and Jon Rivera shamelessly supported this bill. They didn’t stand up for our voters, our courts, or the rule of law; they stood with their party bosses to help rig the system.”
Kracker urged Governor Hochul to veto the legislation: “Governor Hochul has already had her constitutional appointment powers undermined by her own party. Now it’s up to her to show the courage to defend our courts and veto this disgraceful legislation. If she signs it, she will be just as complicit in this dangerous scheme to weaponize the judiciary and disenfranchise New Yorkers.”
