Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York is taking a stand against what she calls a blatant attempt by Democrats to manipulate congressional district lines in her favor. As the only Republican representing a part of New York City, she sees these redistricting efforts as part of a broader strategy to eliminate GOP representation in urban areas. “The Democrats have absolutely zero shame,” she told Fox News Digital, highlighting her frustration with repeated attempts to redraw her district.
Malliotakis represents New York’s 11th Congressional District, covering all of Staten Island and parts of south Brooklyn. Her victory in 2020 marked a significant win against former Rep. Max Rose, a Democrat who was part of the so-called “blue wave” in 2018. Since then, the battleground for her seat has shifted, especially with a lawsuit filed by a Democratic attorney aimed at changing her district’s boundaries. This suit claims that the current district design dilutes the voting power of minority populations, which, according to Malliotakis, lacks legal standing.
“This lawsuit is so frivolous; it has absolutely no merit,” she asserted, drawing attention to her own heritage as the daughter of a Cuban mother and a Greek father. The claim that minorities are disenfranchised, when Malliotakis herself is the first Hispanic elected to represent this district, seems to her not only illogical but a political maneuver. “It’s unfortunate that this will take time and resources to fight once again in court,” she remarked, emphasizing her commitment to contesting these changes so constituents can elect their representative without external interference.
Historical voting patterns show that her district has leaned Republican in recent elections, supporting Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020. Underlining her appeal, Trump has also endorsed her for re-election in the upcoming cycle. Nevertheless, the district has displayed some Democratic tendencies in the past, having voted for Barack Obama in 2012 and for Senate candidates Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand in earlier elections.
The fight over redistricting is not unique to New York. Across the country, both parties are engaged in aggressive efforts to redraw maps that will give them a leg up in the 2026 midterm elections. With states like Texas adopting districts that advantage Republicans and similar measures under consideration in California, the stakes are high.
Malliotakis’s case illustrates a critical moment for Republicans in traditionally blue areas, as well as the ongoing struggle over representation amid changing demographics. Her determination reflects a broader resistance to what she sees as partisan overreach by Democrats, and whether she can maintain her seat in this increasingly competitive environment remains to be seen.
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