Congressman Suozzi Statement on Today’s Supreme Court Decision on Gerrymandering

Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D – Long Island, Queens) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision on gerrymandering:

“I am incredibly disappointed by today’s Supreme Court 5-4 decision that partisan gerrymandering is a ‘political’ issue and should not be decided by the Court. The Supreme Court has a sacred duty to uphold the law, and in my opinion, today they did not. Partisan gerrymandering violates both our first amendment rights and equal protection rights.

Gerrymandered safe seats ensure that one party has a distinct advantage; precluding any interest in working with the other side for fear of being primaried. In a primary, turnout is usually very low and only attracts the enthused base of either party.

Partisan gerrymandering by state legislatures is the single greatest threat to our democracy and it is the primary reason our nation is so divided. Congress must now work together to put the power where it belongs; with the voters, and not political mapmakers. It’s time to end partisan gerrymandering and let politicians know we must earn your vote.”