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New York’s highest court has ruled that the state must redraw congressional districts ahead of the 2024 elections, potentially giving Democrats an advantage in the battle for control of the U.S. House. This decision comes after Democrats lost seats in the New York City suburbs, handing control of the House to Republicans.

The 4-3 decision from the New York Court of Appeals requires the state’s bipartisan Independent Redistricting Commission to come up with new districts, which will then go before the Democrat-controlled Legislature for approval. The court ordered the commission to file a map no later than February 28, 2024.

The ruling is seen as an important step in Democrats’ plans to retake congressional districts in New York vital to winning a House majority. Democrats are eager for the commission to create a new, fair congressional map through the process that New York voters intended.

Last year’s maps were supposed to be drawn by a bipartisan commission to prevent partisan gerrymandering, but the commission failed to reach a consensus. The state Legislature then drew its own map, which was set up to give Democrats a major edge. However, the Court of Appeals ruled that the state didn’t follow proper procedure in adopting the maps, leading to Republicans winning control of the House in 2022.

Democrats have dedicated significant resources to retake districts in New York next year, while Republicans are aiming to hold onto the seats. The redistricting process is expected to result in another legal challenge, with the commission’s work closely watched by both parties.

The decision is seen as a win for democracy and the people of New York, according to U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene. However, Republicans have expressed disappointment, accusing Democrats of attempting to cheat their way to power instead of focusing on policies that appeal to everyday voters.

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