New York Governor Kathy Hochul appeared on “Fox News Sunday” to discuss the ongoing debate over redistricting in her state. The interview, conducted by host Shannon Bream, centered on whether New York could pursue a new round of redistricting before the next scheduled cycle.
Bream referenced a 2014 amendment to New York’s constitution that restricts when and how redistricting can occur. Congressman Mike Lawler was quoted as saying, “The voters certified this at the ballot box. They wanted an independent redistricting commission. They do not want partisan gerrymandering and they do not want it done in a mid-decade redistricting. The Democrats who oftentimes lecture everybody about upholding democracy should abide by the state constitution.”
When asked about plans for potential changes to redistricting rules, Hochul said, “You know what, Shannon? These times call for fighting fire with fire. We didn’t ask for this fight. I’m busy governing the State of New York, focusing on public safety and affordability. But why are we here today?
Because Donald Trump looked at the polls for next year and they realize based on their failed policies, which are hurting New Yorkers and people all across this country, the tariffs did not create jobs. They now have 2 million people more — 2 billion more on unemployment. We have Medicaid costs that are being taken away from people. There are going to be millions of people without healthcare. The cost of everything’s going up.
I was at a Target yesterday. Parents are worried about back to school shopping. So what they saw was — they said, ‘Wait a minute, we’re going to lose power because they actually don’t like our policies,’ — even in purple and red districts, because I know what I’m talking about.
I used to represent the most Republican district in Congress just a few years ago. I know how they feel. They know they’re going to lose next year. So now they’re desperate.”
Pressed further about possible plans to amend or circumvent constitutional restrictions around redistricting, Hochul responded: “No. We’ll put it to the people. We amend constitutions. We just did it a few years ago. We can put it to the people, but I think the people of this state — after what they’re seeing when there’s one party domination in Washington and how our costs are going up, we’re losing jobs and people are suffering — they’re going to want us to use every tool in the arsenal to fight back, and that’s what I intend to do.”
Bream noted previous legal battles over congressional maps drawn by Democrats after the last census cycle; courts ruled those maps were unconstitutional due to issues such as lack of transparency and gerrymandering concerns.
Hochul replied: “No, we followed the rules. We do it every 10 years… Well, we did follow the rules… Well, we followed the rules and I want to call out the hypocrisy of the Republicans who are now whining about the fact that we’re doing something in New York.” She added: “We went back and redrew the maps… we didn’t intend to do this again until 2032 elections… but because we’re in a different situation altogether… that demands that leaders stand up…”
The conversation also addressed immigration policy’s effect on congressional apportionment after Senator J.D Vance argued states with larger undocumented populations benefit unfairly from federal representation allocations.
Hochul countered: “Boy, they’re really stretching hard to justify this power grab… my gosh… We don’t support open borders… We will help ICE remove criminals —the worst of the worst— which is what we were told was going happen.”
She described herself as committed both to following legal processes regarding constitutional amendments if necessary and responding proactively as governor: “My job as governor of State of New York… I’ll continue work with whomever voters want me too… I’ll make it work out because I’m not going go war with 8 million residents of New York that I also represent.”
The interview concluded with Hochul reiterating her focus on making life more affordable for residents amid political debates over district lines.
