Jeffries Clashes with CNN over Hypocrisy on Redistricting

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries found himself on the defensive Sunday when CNN’s Dana Bash confronted him over the Democratic Party’s blatantly hypocritical redistricting efforts especially in his home state of New York.

Appearing on State of the Union, Jeffries went after Texas Republicans for redrawing their congressional map to favor the GOP ahead of the 2026 midterms. But Bash quickly turned the tables, pointing out that New York Democrats are doing exactly the same thing if not worse.

"You praised New York’s state legislature for redrawing new ones," Bash reminded him. "Is criticizing Texas hypocritical given what you pushed for in your own state?"

Jeffries’ response? Blame the courts and deny the facts. He claimed that New York’s previous map was drawn not by an independent redistricting commission but by a “random right-wing judge” completely ignoring that it was New York Democrats who first rejected their own bipartisan commission in 2022 and tried to ram through gerrymandered maps that were later thrown out by the state’s highest court.

Here’s what actually happened:

• In 2022, New York’s Democratic-controlled legislature ignored maps from the state’s Independent Redistricting Commission.

• They drew their own maps, blatantly designed to help Democrats pick up additional House seats.

• The Court of Appeals struck them down, ruling that the legislature overstepped.

• Now, Democrats are trying again after a 2023 ruling allowed them to redraw the maps for the rest of the decade.

When asked if it’s even feasible to redraw New York’s maps before the midterms, Jeffries dodged again. “There’s a plan to respond… as the circumstances dictate,” he said, offering no timeline, no details, and no transparency.

This exchange laid bare the raw political reality: Democrats have no problem with gerrymandering as long as they’re the ones doing it. Jeffries even praised California’s recent move to override its supposedly independent redistricting process, all while accusing Texas of trying to “rig” elections.

And yet, it’s the Republicans who are constantly lectured about “attacks on democracy.”

Let’s call it what it is: a power grab, plain and simple.

• Jeffries claims Republicans are redrawing maps out of fear yet it’s Democrats who are desperately trying to claw back control in states they already dominate.

• He says Texas’ maps are “racially partisan,” but offers no proof just partisan talking points.

• And when pressed for a concrete plan in New York, he hides behind vague political jargon.

The truth is, Democrats are panicking. With only a three-seat majority separating Republicans from losing the House, they’re trying to game the system instead of winning on ideas. It’s a strategy of courtroom power plays and redrawn maps not leadership, not results.

And when asked to own up to their own tactics? They spin, deflect, and blame everyone else.

Voters deserve honesty not more D.C. double-speak.

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