New York Redistricting Stay Application Draws U.S. Amicus Brief

On February 13, 2026, the United States filed an amicus brief in this New York redistricting stay application. The federal government’s participation, submitted the same day the application was docketed, signals that the Trump administration views the underlying dispute as implicating federal interests worth defending at the emergency stage. The application was submitted to Justice Sotomayor.

The applicants, Peter Kosinski and others, are challenging New York’s redistricting process. Respondents include Governor Kathy Hochul, legislative leaders, and members of the New York State Independent Redistricting Commission, as well as respondents represented by Marc Elias and Barbara Underwood. The breadth of the respondent group reflects the layered institutional structure of New York’s redistricting framework, which involves both the commission and the legislature.

Justice Sotomayor requested responses by February 19, and three separate responses were filed that day, followed by a sur-reply motion on February 22. This compressed briefing schedule suggests the applicants have framed the matter as time-sensitive. The question presented has not been formally identified on the docket, which is common at the emergency application stage.

The involvement of D. John Sauer on behalf of “Other” parties, combined with the federal amicus filing, suggests the administration may be coordinating support in this matter. Whether Justice Sotomayor acts alone or refers the application to the full Court will be an important procedural signal to watch as this matter develops.