PEARL RIVER, NY — Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) is calling out Governor Kathy Hochul for what he describes as a blatant attempt to subvert the will of New York voters and undermine democratic principles through partisan gerrymandering and repeated violations of the state constitution.

In a sharply worded statement issued Tuesday, Lawler condemned Governor Hochul’s recent public support for ignoring New York’s constitutional ban on mid-decade redistricting and the role of the Independent Redistricting Commission, an entity voters overwhelmingly supported to ensure fair and nonpartisan district maps.

“Every voter in New York should be outraged by Kathy Hochul’s brazen disregard for the state constitution,” said Lawler. “Her full-throated endorsement of partisan gerrymandering is only about advancing her and her party’s political providence through the abuse of her office.”

Lawler pointed to a series of Democratic-led actions that he believes erode voter confidence and democratic integrity:

– Gerrymandering congressional districts in 2021 and 2024

– Circumventing the constitutional ban on no-excuse absentee voting

– Changing the timing of municipal elections for partisan advantage

– Altering state law to restrict election law challenges to Democrat-controlled courts

– Redrawing Judicial Court boundaries to favor more Democratic seats

Lawler emphasized his consistent opposition to partisan gerrymandering regardless of party, citing his criticism of similar actions in Texas. However, he argues that New York voters have clearly rejected these tactics by supporting independent redistricting reforms at the ballot box.

“Anyone who uses the Governor’s Mansion to foment political divides, rather than bridge them, is betraying the public trust,” Lawler added. “This is about protecting the democratic process—not political power plays.”

Lawler’s remarks signal growing tension between Republicans and Democrats in New York as redistricting battles intensify ahead of the 2026 midterms.