new The sole House Republican from part of New York City is up against the possibility of redistricting, a challenge she is determined to overcome.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (RN.Y.) expressed her concerns to a news outlet: “Democrats have no shame whatsoever. This is the third time they’re attempting to redraw our districts, trying to tip the scales in their favor because they can’t accept a Republican representing New York City.”
Malliotakis, who represents New York’s 11th Congressional District—covering all of Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn—won her seat in 2020 after defeating Max Rose, a Democratic congressman who served just one term.
The state has recently found itself in a national redistricting debate, particularly after a lawsuit was filed by Democratic attorney Marc Elias, seeking to alter the boundaries of Malliotakis’ district.
The lawsuit claims that the existing district lines dilute the voting power of the increasing number of Black and Latino residents in Staten Island, arguing that this violates minority protections under New York’s Voting Rights Act.
In response, Malliotakis dismissed the lawsuit as “frivolous and completely without merit. There are no valid legal arguments here.” She also pointed out her mixed heritage, noting that her mother is Cuban and fled from the Castro regime, while her father hails from Greece.
“It’s even more absurd that they assert my status as the first Hispanic elected to represent this district somehow disenfranchises others,” she added.
Despite the challenges, Malliotakis remains dedicated, stating, “It’s unfortunate that we have to spend time and resources on legal battles again, but we will because the people of New York’s 11th District deserve to choose their representative, not have one decided by Washington Democrats.”
The district has leaned Republican in recent elections, having supported Donald Trump in the last three presidential races. Trump has already endorsed Malliotakis for her re-election bid.
However, it’s worth noting that voters in the same district once backed Barack Obama in 2012 and supported Democratic Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand in subsequent elections. Yet, the trend has shifted back to Republican in more recent Senate races.
This lawsuit is emerging as both parties are busy redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms. Recent actions included Texas adopting maps favoring Republicans, while California is gearing up to let its Democratic-controlled state legislature redraw electoral districts to bolster their party.
Additionally, the Biden administration is reportedly encouraging states like Missouri and Indiana to enhance Republican majorities. Just last month, North Carolina Republicans approved plans aimed at unseating a moderate Democrat, and Maryland Democrats recently retreated from a plan to remove Rep. Andy Harris from his position.
