After the state Legislature rejected two sets of plans, the 10-member bipartisan redistricting commission fails to redraw congressional lines.
If the committee fails to reach a conclusion by January 25, the Legislature, controlled by a majority of Democrats, can take over the process.
Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said she wants the commission to continue drafting a new map. However, she said if rejected and left up to the Legislature, Democrats will be fair. The Senate leader said she was a victim of gerrymandering and recalled her previously rectangular districting turning into"the smiling face of an old man with a scraggly beard" during 2012's redistricting process.
The Republican party controlled New York's Senate the last time the lines were redrawn. The Assembly and State Senate failed to reach a middle ground last time, leaving a federal court responsible for drawing the lines. According to the AP, Republicans believe the maps will end up in court again.