New NY congressional maps approved, few changes in Hudson Valley

State lawmakers approved new congressional maps this week that will be used in the upcoming November 2024 election.  There were nominal changes to the three Hudson Valley districts that are expected to be among the most competitive in the nation.

The final redistricting plan came after Democrats in the state legislature rejected the congressional redistricting proposal made by the Independent Redistricting Commission.  The legislature’s maps were approved with bipartisan support receiving 115 yes votes in the Assembly and 45 in the State Senate.  In total, 16 Republicans cast a vote in favor of the new plan.

The 17th Congressional District, represented by Republican Mike Lawler of Pearl River, saw the fewest changes of the three Hudson Valley Districts.  The Cook Political Report released its latest ratings this week calling the 17th District a “toss-up.”  Lawler is set to face off against former Congressman Mondaire Jones.

The 18th Congressional District, represented by Democrat Pat Ryan of Gardiner, was changed slightly with the most significant impact coming to communities in Ulster County.  The District became slightly more Democratic in the redraw but remains competitive in the upcoming election cycle.  Ryan is facing a challenge by Alison Esposito, former NYPD Captain and the GOP Lieutenant Governor candidate from 2022.  Cook is rating the race as “lean Democrat.”

The 19th Congressional District, represented by Marc Molinaro of Greene County, also saw a few changes that made the district slightly more appealing to his opponent Josh Riley.  Riley lost to Molinaro by 1.6 percent in 2022.  The expansive district, which includes the Catskills, Hudson Valley, Southern Tier, and Finger Lakes regions took in portions of Ulster County from the 18th District.  Cook is rating the race as a “toss-up” as well.

The districts, drawn by Democrats in the state legislature, are not expected to face a court challenge.  Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay said the districts could be “much worse” when asked what he thought of the Democrat’s map proposal that has now become law.