New York’s congressional district boundaries will be redrawn by an independent commission, as ordered by the state Court of Appeals.

This move could have national implications, and it may affect which party controls Congress.

New York’s law prohibits gerrymandering, or making congressional maps for political purposes. The Constitution requires a bipartisan map-drawing commission, but the final approval is given by the Democrats who control the statehouse. Only minor changes to the current maps can result in lines that are favorable to Democrats.

The decision made Tuesday afternoon could throw a monkey wrench in the congressional races of 2024 in New York. It could force the six freshmen Republicans who won the last election to run under new districts that are less favorable. This could also give Democrats an advantage in regaining control of the House where there is only a small margin of votes between the two parties.

New York’s Congressional Delegation is currently composed of 15 Democrats and 11 Republicans. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority leader, could become Speaker if all six freshman lose in November and everything else remains the same.

According to the redistricting maps drawn by the independent commission, Mike Lawler from Rockland County could be the most vulnerable New York Congressman, followed by Anthony D’Esposito from Long Island and Marc Molinaro from Dutchess County.

Tom Suozzi is a former congressman who was a Democrat and ran to replace George Santos. His district could be redrawn in order to include more likely Democrat votes.

The Republicans are angry and the Democrats are delighted.

“I consider it to be corruption at its best. Last year, we had a decision that ruled against the Democrats’ attempt to gerrymander New York maps and violate Constitution. They decided to do it again because they did not like the result.

The Court of Appeals ruled 4-3 to uphold a challenge, and threw out the current maps.

“This is exactly what the court would have said last year. They should have ordered the commission, if they felt the process was not complete, to finish it. Not take the whole thing away, and then draw the lines by themselves using a special master. This was an absurd result to begin with. “I’m glad that now things are being put right”, said Michael Gianaris of Queens, a Democrat state senator.

The Republicans have a razor thin three-seat congressional majority, which could help flip anywhere between two and six seats.

CBS News congressional reporter Scott MacFarlane said, “This ruling is huge not only because it could swing so many suburban New York congressional districts but also the entire balance in Congress, which includes Upstate New York, Long Island, Nassau County, Syracuse, and Suffolk County.”

Ed Cox, the New York GOP chair and Elise Stefanik, the House GOP Conference chair from upstate New York, have both hinted that they will continue to take court action.

Rowan Wilson, the new Chief justice, wrote the 4-3 decision.

The commission has until Feb. 28 to finish its work, then it goes to the Democratic-controlled legislature for approval. Lawler believes that there may be many lawsuits.