New York high court tosses Democrat-drawn redistricting maps

New York’s highest court on Wednesday tossed out the state’s new congressional map, ruling that it amounted to an unconstitutional gerrymander intended to elect more Democrats.

The ruling from the state Court of Appeals deals a major blow to Democrats’ redistricting efforts in an already-difficult year for the party nationally. The maps out of New York had emerged as a bright spot for Democrats, who sought to more aggressively push their political advantage in the state.

Republicans need to net just five seats in the House to recapture a majority.