Final redistricting by a Special Master appointed by a Steuben County judge guts the voting map approved by Democrats. The same judge threw them out as unconstitutional, and New York’s highest court agreed. Big change for Roosevelt Island is certain. It’s only a question of how big.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Roosevelt Island’s Elected Officials Will Change with the Final Redistricting, But How Much?
You can see the new map here, thanks to Sylvan Klein. (Tip of the hat!)
Providing some welcome relief in consistency, Roosevelt Island keeps a friend in Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright. Seawright stepped up her support by passing RIOC reform legislation, this month.
But we don’t fare as well with her partner in that legislation on the Senate side. José Serrano, a consistent supporter whose efforts were blunted by Republicans in his chamber, steps aside in redistricting. Final redistricting puts Roosevelt Island in District 28 that is all Manhattan and roughly parallels Congressional District 12, now a battleground between Democrats Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler.
(An earlier version of this article incorrectly said that Roosevelt Island would become part of Michael Gianaris’s Queens District. That came from an initial misreading of the new maps.)
But Intra-Party Cannibalism Is Set up in the Congressional Race
In a severe blow to Democrats, the Special Master combined districts that run from the Upper West Side straight across until scooping in Roosevelt Island on the east.
Why is that bad? Because those districts are currently led by longtime congressional reps Carolyn Maloney and Jerry Nadler. Allies are now paired against each other. One will knock off the other and/or retire.
And the battle is already on. Again, thanks to Sylvan Klein:
Jerrold (Jerry) Nadler is a lifelong New Yorker who represents the 10th Congressional District in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Nadler has been a leading progressive voice in Congress for more than two decades and is currently the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee.
As Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Nadler is a key player in debates over issues like healthcare, criminal justice reform, and civil rights. He was also a vocal critic of the Trump administration and was one of the first members of Congress to call for impeachment proceedings against President Trump.
Prior to her election to Congress, Maloney served on the New York City Council from 1982 to 1992, and was the first woman to chair the powerful Council’s Finance Committee. She also served as a Democratic district leader from 1974 to 1982.
In Congress, Maloney has been a leading progressive voice on issues like women’s rights, gun control, and finance reform. She was also a vocal critic of the Trump administration and one of the first members of Congress to call for impeachment proceedings against President Trump.
What also remains uncertain is the status of strong challenges from the left, including the likes of Suraj Patel who barely missed defeating Maloney in 2020.
While the general election will be, as usual, in November, primary elections – often the equivalent of final elections in New York City – will take place June (Assembly, Governor, Lieutenant Governor) and August (Congress, State Senate).
Stay tuned.
also from the roosevelt island daily news
- Community Rhythms and Neighborhood Steadiness on Roosevelt IslandExplore community rhythms and neighborhood steadiness on Roosevelt Island, from public safety updates to art, weather, and the everyday connections that keep island life vibrant.
- How Roosevelt Island’s Steady Daily Life Connects With City ChangesExplore how Roosevelt Island’s steady daily life connects with city changes, from safety incidents to neighborhood campaigns, and how island routines shape our shared urban rhythms.
- Mother’s Day Weekend on Roosevelt Island: Warming Up to CommunityCelebrate community during Mother’s Day weekend on Roosevelt Island. Discover how neighbors gather, new spots like Citarella, and the warmth of the season.
- How Queens News and Community Events Influence Roosevelt Island Daily LifeSee how Queens news and community events influence Roosevelt Island daily life, touching on public safety, housing changes, and neighborhood connections.
- June News Highlights: Roosevelt Island and Queens Community UpdatesGet the latest June news highlights from Roosevelt Island and Queens, including community updates, local safety, rent discussions, transit negotiations, and celebrations.
The Five Amendments That Sold Out Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island did not lose control of its southern waterfront in a single deal. It happened in five quiet steps. Five amendments. Five missed chances to renegotiate.
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