In a move dripping with hypocrisy, Democrats are now borrowing directly from President Trump’s playbook—using redistricting to hold onto power. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced she’s looking at “every option” to redraw congressional maps in her state, a clear response to Texas Republicans’ own mid-cycle redistricting push.
“Fight fire with fire,” Hochul declared, standing beside New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and a group of Texas Democrats who fled their state to block a GOP map that would give Republicans five more congressional seats.
Hochul’s tone was defiant and unapologetic: “All’s fair in love and war,” she said, signaling that Democrats are ready to bend the rules—just like they accused Trump of doing.
With the full backing of her Democrat-controlled legislature, Hochul vowed to move quickly. “We’re reviewing legal strategies, pursuing legislative options, and doing everything we can to stop this brazen assault,” she claimed. But critics say this is just partisan gerrymandering under a different name—Democrat-style.
The drama began when Texas Democrats fled Austin to block a redistricting vote, denying Republicans the quorum needed to pass a new map. The GOP plan would cement Republican control by expanding their advantage in several key districts—something President Trump has long pushed for as a defense against Democrat election interference.
Now those same Texas Democrats are being sheltered in deep-blue states like Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker even promised to “protect” the rogue lawmakers from arrest or penalties.
Ironically, New York Democrats are plotting their redistricting revenge despite their own maps being struck down by a court in 2022 for giving an unfair partisan advantage. The state’s so-called “independent” redistricting commission was approved by voters in 2014 to prevent gerrymandering—yet Hochul now wants it scrapped entirely.
“I’m tired of fighting this fight with my hand tied behind my back,” she said, pushing to override constitutional checks that limit how maps are drawn.
But here’s the catch: even if Democrats want to change the rules, the state constitution requires voter approval—something they likely can’t secure in time for the 2026 elections.
Still, Hochul is exploring legal end-runs and potential court battles, all while accusing Republicans of the very tactics she’s now embracing. And New York isn’t alone—Democrat-controlled California is also eyeing ways to shift its maps, while Florida Republicans are fighting to solidify their gains.
It’s a blatant double standard. Democrats spent years accusing President Trump of “rigging” the system. Now, they’re quietly doing the same—with the media turning a blind eye.
This is how elections are manipulated—not with voting machines, but with maps, courtrooms, and backroom deals. And once again, it’s the American people—especially older, working-class voters—who pay the price.