Judge Caitlin Halligan’s refusal looms large as Dems seek to overturn congressional maps

Judge Caitlin Halligan’s recusal from the case that could overturn New York’s congressional maps could turn out to play a pivotal role.

During oral arguments Wednesday, the six remaining judges on the court of appeals seemed to fall into step with their opinions in last year’s 4–3 decision that tossed out New York’s congressional maps.

The crux of the Democrats’ case is that last year’s decision by the high court only applied to 2022 congressional elections and therefore the state’s redistricting commission and legislature should get another chance to redraw the maps for 2024.

“We’re at a different juncture,” Associate Judge Jenny Rivera said laying into the Republican’s lawyer, Misha Tseytlin.

Rivera along with now-Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and Judge Shirley Troutman dissented in last year’s decision.

In an unusual decision, Wilson appointed 1st Judicial Department Presiding Judge Dianne…