NY Republicans Lose Bid to Oust Judge From Redistricting Suit

A Manhattan judge said he won’t recuse himself from presiding over a challenge to New York City’s sole GOP-held congressional district, rebuffing Republicans who said the judge was too closely tied to Gov. Kathy Hochul and other top Democrats.

“These relationships have no bearing on the undersigned’s approach to this matter,” New York State Supreme Court Judge Jeffrey H. Pearlman said on Monday.

The decision is a setback for Republicans in a case that presents a path for Democrats to secure a more favorable New York congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterms.

The suit was brought in October by a group of New Yorkers who argue that Rep. Nicole Malliotakis’ district, which covers Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, unlawfully shuts out Black and Latino voters and should be redrawn to include parts of Manhattan.

Three Republican state election officials sought Pearlman’s recusal in the case, saying his involvement gave the appearance of partiality in a “politically charged dispute.” The judge previously served as a top aide to Hochul, a Democrat, and advised a Democratic leader in the New York Senate.

Pearlman said in his decision that he never advised Hochul or any other parties on “issues being litigated in this case,” isn’t obligated to recuse himself under New York law, and shouldn’t do so out of discretion.

“To treat Executive Chamber employment as a bar to adjudication due to mere association is untenably sweeping,” he wrote.

The decision comes as redistricting battles heat up in courts around the country. California Republicans are seeking to block a new Golden State map that would likely flip five House seats for Democrats, erasing GOP gains from Texas’ redistricting.

Litigation is likely the only way New York can change its map before 2027. A plan from Democratic state lawmakers to change the state Constitution so they can redraw congressional lines would require approval from two successive legislatures and then a majority of voters.

Elias Law Group represents the plaintiffs. Cullen and Dykman LLP represent the election officials.

The case is Williams vs. Board of Elections, N.Y. Sup. Ct., No. 164002/2025, 12/15/25.