Mike Lawler Proposes National Rules for Congressional Maps
A House Republican from a swing district is stepping into the growing redistricting fight with a new bill aimed at limiting partisan influence.
Representative Mike Lawler of New York has introduced legislation called the FAIR MAP Act. The bill seeks to set nationwide rules for how states redraw congressional districts.
Lawler says the goal is simple. Stop parties from reshaping maps to benefit themselves or harm opponents.
What the FAIR MAP Act Would Do
The proposal would ban states from drawing districts to favor a political party or a specific candidate. It would also block states from redrawing congressional lines more than once every ten years, following the national census.
Lawler argues that frequent redistricting undermines voter trust and creates chaos ahead of elections.
The bill would apply to all fifty states and establish a federal standard where none currently exists.
New York Ruling Adds Urgency
The issue hits close to home for Lawler. Earlier this month, a New York state Supreme Court judge ruled that New York City’s only Republican held district violates the state constitution and must be redrawn.
The ruling could give Democrats a major advantage ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Lawler accused Governor Kathy Hochul and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of pushing a rushed redraw for political gain. He called the effort a misuse of power just months before an election.
Redistricting Battles Spread Nationwide
Election analysts are also watching Virginia and Maryland. Both states have Democrat controlled legislatures that could move to redraw their maps before 2026.
The current fight began last year when Texas lawmakers approved a new map that could add several Republican seats in Congress.
Redistricting usually happens once every decade to match population changes. While some states have their own limits, no federal law clearly defines what crosses the line.
Voting Rules Included in the Bill
Lawler’s legislation goes beyond map drawing.
It would require states to count only United States citizens when setting district populations. Supporters say this change would reduce the influence of non voting residents in sanctuary areas.
The bill also proposes new federal election rules. These include requiring photo identification to vote, banning ranked voting systems in federal races, and ending election day voter registration for federal contests.
Lawler Defends the Proposal
Lawler says fair representation depends on public trust.
He argues that clear rules would stop mid cycle map changes and ensure elections reflect lawful voters rather than party tactics.
Every voter deserves confidence that their vote carries equal weight, he said.
