Is this the road she really wants to go down?
Hochul: “And I thank them so much for making this journey. You are on the right side of history, and you’re not alone.
We are in solidarity with each and every one of you and your colleagues in another state, hosted by my great friend J.B. Pritzker, who welcome you as well.
As I said, history will judge us on how we respond to this moment. But here in New York, we will not stand on the sidelines with the timid souls on the sidelines who don’t care, will not invest their heart and soul into this battle. This is a war.
We are at war. And that’s why the gloves are off, and I say, bring it on.”
What’s Actually Going On
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently vowed a political “war” in response to Republican-led redistricting efforts in Texas, where GOP lawmakers are pushing to redraw congressional maps that could net them five U.S. House seats. Hochul welcomed dozens of Texas Democratic lawmakers to Albany—supporting their decision to flee the state and deny quorum for the vote. She explicitly stated: “We are at war.”brooklyneagle.com+5timesunion.com+5washingtonexaminer.com+5
In a high-profile press conference, Hochul pledged to strike back: she and other Democratic legislators are exploring mid-decade redistricting in New York, potentially scrapping the state’s independent commission and even amending the state constitution to redraw maps before the 2028 elections. She said: “All’s fair in love and war.”
Key Details at a Glance
Topic What’s Happening
Trigger GOP redistricting in Texas aiming to gain 5 House seats
Hochul’s Response Declared opposing redistricting a “war”; invited Texas Dems to Albany
Reprisal Strategy Plans to eliminate independent commission to redraw NY maps
️ Timeline Constitutional amendment needed over two sessions; earliest impact in 2028
⚠️ Critics Say Undermines democratic norms and ignores previous popular vote approving reform nypost.com
Why This Matters
Bold partisan escalation: Hochul’s language and tactics escalate redistricting into a national ideological conflict.
Democratic irony? Critics accuse her of hypocrisy—calling the move undemocratic while Democrats faced backlash for Texas fleeing.
Long-term stakes: If successful, these changes could reshape New York’s political power and influence the 2028 presidential landscape.
️ Hochul’s Broader Strategy
She has repeatedly embraced a tough posture toward the Trump administration—promising to “fight back hard” on issues from congestion pricing to immigration.reddit.com+15wxxinews.org+15thedailybeast.com+15thedailybeast.com+2timesunion.com+2nypost.com+2nypost.com Her current redistricting gambit is consistent with that confrontational tone.