New York Governor Kathy Hochul appeared on MSNBC’s “All In with Chris Hayes” to discuss New York’s approach to redistricting in response to actions taken by Texas Republicans. The conversation centered on how states are handling congressional map changes and the broader implications for democracy.
During the interview, Chris Hayes noted that Texas Republicans are moving forward with a plan to redraw congressional districts in a way that could remove five seats from Democrats, maintaining Republican control of the House of Representatives. He pointed out that recent Supreme Court decisions have limited federal oversight under the Voting Rights Act, making it difficult to challenge such moves.
Governor Hochul responded, “Well, first of all, you’re absolutely right that we are fighting fire with fire. If they’re going to rig the system, I refuse to sit on the sidelines and let our democracy further erode any more than it already has under the Trump administration. So we’re all in for this. Just like Chris Hayes’ ‘All In,’ we are all in.”
She explained that unlike California, where Governor Gavin Newsom has considered calling a special election to change congressional maps, New York requires a constitutional amendment process. “We have a constitutional amendment process that’s required first. I’m willing to do that. I’m working hard with our legislative leaders to pass legislation immediately — as soon as they return in January — pass it in this current session of the Legislature, go to the next one, which is required, so it won’t be until 2027 we can get it on the ballot, but what would that mean is that in 2028, we could have different lines. Otherwise, we have to wait until 2032,” Hochul said.
Hayes highlighted an ongoing debate among Democrats about whether efforts for independent redistricting commissions have put them at a disadvantage compared to Republican-led states. He quoted political consultant Paul Mitchell: “‘Nationally, there are a lot of Democrats who thought they were doing the right thing in pushing for independent redistricting and are now wondering: Did we get duped?’”
Hochul commented on these reforms: “There were strong, good government advocates who really forced this issue in our state. My predecessor followed that. I’ll tell you right now, I’ve been an elected official for 30 years. I don’t believe in tying our hands behind our back, especially when we’re going against very aggressive opponents who have no trouble changing the rules in the middle of the game…this whole idea of having independent individuals who are not elected who don’t understand the system determine the fate of our country, it hasn’t worked and it’s not working now.”
The governor also addressed concerns about disenfranchisement resulting from partisan redistricting efforts elsewhere: “Particularly communities of color will no longer have the elected official that they went to the ballot box and picked and decided to vote for; you’re going to sweep in Republicans instead? That is unconscionable.”
The discussion shifted briefly toward gun safety following a recent shooting incident in Manhattan involving an assault weapon transported across state lines. Hochul reiterated her call for federal action: “No more excuses, no more deflection. It’s time for a national assault weapons ban.” She added: “We are fighting hard with the laws I’ve put into place…but if other states don’t do it then we are basically vulnerable…sixty-five percent of Americans want this to happen.”
Hochul referenced past legislation by noting that an assault weapons ban was previously enacted under President Bill Clinton but lapsed during George Bush’s presidency; since then mass shootings have increased significantly.
In closing remarks about New York City politics and her potential endorsement in the mayoral race after Zoran Mamdani’s primary win, Hochul stated: “We’ll have more conversations…He’s taken a lot of positions that I don’t agree with but we have a lot of alignment on issues like affordability…So we’ll just have more conversations.”
The interview reflects ongoing debates over redistricting practices nationwide and highlights New York’s legislative constraints compared with other states.
