Lawsuit Could Flip New York’s Only Republican District

A new lawsuit filed by New York voters challenges the state’s only GOP-held congressional seat, arguing the map unfairly weakens Black and Latino voting power in Staten Island and southern Brooklyn.

What We Know:

• Four voters represented by the Elias Law Group sued the New York State Board of Elections on Oct. 27, 2025, alleging that the 11th Congressional District map dilutes minority influence and violates state law.
• The district, covering Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn, is held by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R), the lone Republican representing New York City.
• Plaintiffs claim the map ignores population shifts and should include areas of lower Manhattan that better reflect the city’s demographic changes.
• Republican officials called the lawsuit a political stunt, noting the current map was approved by an independent commission and the Democratic-led legislature.
• Democrats see the challenge as a chance to reclaim a seat that could help tip the balance of power in Congress ahead of 2026.
• Any court-ordered redraw faces hurdles under a 2014 amendment limiting mid-decade map changes unless a clear violation is proven.

If successful, the case could reshape New York’s political map and mark a major win for Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterms.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated here.