Hochul tells Dems to play dirty

With help from Amira McKee

GOVERNOR HOCHUL’S GERRYMANDERING GAMBOL

YOU STARTED IT: It seems Governor Kathy Hochul has taken a page from the book of Texas politics—one laced with gerrymandering. This morning, she hosted six Texas lawmakers at the Capitol, showcasing not just hospitality but a willingness to play hardball in the ongoing political redistricting saga.

As the Texas Democrats sought refuge in New York to thwart a Trump-backed redistricting initiative that would potentially add five Republican congressional seats, Hochul’s reception was more than just a friendly breakfast of eggs and bacon; it was a strategic move to escalate the national gerrymandering arms race, as reported by POLITICO’s Bill Mahoney.

In a press conference held in the ornate Red Room of the Capitol, Hochul criticized New York’s independent redistricting committee for being too restrained and openly advocated for a more partisan approach to redistricting. “I’m tired of fighting this fight with my hands tied behind my back,” she declared, suggesting that if the Republicans take over the Legislature, they can have their turn at the gerrymandering wheel. Until then, it’s a free-for-all.

Her remarks resonated with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who echoed her sentiment, arguing that it’s hard to play by the rules when the other side is playing dirty. Hochul is now pushing for a constitutional amendment that would allow New York to redraw its congressional lines, but such a process is lengthy and wouldn’t bear fruit until at least the 2028 elections, assuming it passes and survives legal challenges.

“We’re sick and tired of being pushed around when other states don’t have the same aspirations that we always have,” Hochul exclaimed, setting the stage for a potentially contentious political battle.

However, her unrestrained embrace of gerrymandering has drawn criticism from various quarters, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who had a hand in crafting the very limitations now constraining Hochul’s options. At a separate event, Cuomo labeled the Texas redistricting efforts as “grossly political” and expressed skepticism about Hochul’s hardline tactics, suggesting they might be too late to matter.

The Texas lawmakers are on a journey that will take them through several Democratic-leaning states, though their plans remain under wraps as they avoid returning to Texas until its special session concludes on August 19. Any premature return could trigger another special session called by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to revive the redistricting bill.

Abbott himself mocked the Texas Democrats’ flight to New York, likening it to running to Wisconsin to protest cheese. “It’s just kind of outrageous,” he quipped, reflecting the rhetorical battles that gerrymandering has ignited across state lines.

In response, New York Republicans did not hold back. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, eyeing a potential gubernatorial challenge, lambasted Hochul for her willingness to engage in what she terms illegal gerrymandering—pointing out that Hochul has previously failed in her own attempts to redraw New York’s congressional map.

John Kaehny, director of the good governance group Reinvent Albany, weighed in with a stark warning: Hochul’s approach risks undermining democracy itself. “Gerrymandering is one of the most devastating ways to essentially nullify the votes of huge numbers of people,” he cautioned, reminding us that New York’s state motto should inspire upward progress, not a race to the bottom.

— Jason Beeferman

‘THE SAFEST BIG CITY’: MAYOR ADAMS’ CRIME STATISTICS

In a bid to regain favor amid public safety concerns, Mayor Eric Adams proclaimed Brooklyn’s subway system as “the safest July in our recorded history” during an announcement of the city’s crime statistics. Adams, a former NYPD captain, banked much of his 2021 campaign on restoring safety to a pandemic-weary New York City. Yet, as public safety fears linger, he’s turning back to statistics to validate his administration’s efforts—even as his approval ratings sink.

Despite the tragic loss of four lives, including an NYPD officer, due to a recent shooting in Midtown, Adams urges that the city should channel its grief into actionable purpose. “This incident will forever stain our city,” he said, yet he emphasized that the broader crime picture shows a decline, with the NYPD reporting the lowest shooting incidents and victims in recorded history over the first seven months of 2025.

However, a POLITICO analysis reveals that overall crime rates in the city have yet to revert to pre-pandemic levels, raising questions about the mayor’s narrative. Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch attribute the downward trend to their focus on illegal gun removal and gang takedowns.

In the backdrop of these statistics, Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor, has begun to carve out a different vision for policing, especially in light of the recent tragic events. While he has distanced himself from earlier calls to “defund the police,” the lingering tension between him and Adams is palpable, particularly over their contrasting approaches to policing strategies in the wake of a mass shooting last week.

Adams took the opportunity to criticize Mamdani’s calls to disband the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group, which has been instrumental in managing protests and major public disturbances. “We just have a philosophical difference in the principles of public safety,” Adams stated, highlighting his belief that effective governance requires a balance between realism and idealism.

— Amira McKee

IF YOU PAY THEM, THEY WILL COME: CUOMO’S PUBLIC SAFETY PROPOSAL

In his own bid to influence public safety, former Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled a proposal aimed at recruiting and retaining NYPD officers. His plan includes a $15,000 signing bonus for new recruits, additional retention bonuses throughout their careers, and allowing retired officers to rejoin the force while collecting their pensions. Cuomo even suggested a city-run scholarship fund for officers lacking a bachelor’s degree, a move he argues would bolster the police force by adding 5,000 officers at a projected cost of $250 million over five years.

“It’s time to build a new New York City based on what we are dealing with and what we’ve learned,” Cuomo asserted, while simultaneously launching attacks on Mamdani’s past support for defunding the police. The tension between their approaches is indicative of the broader debate on how to ensure public safety while also addressing community needs.

Cuomo’s proposal further complicates the dynamics of the mayoral race as he seeks to differentiate himself from Mamdani, particularly regarding the controversial Strategic Response Group and its role in policing protests.

— Joe Anuta

ON YOUR RIGHT: ADAMS’ FIRESIDE CHAT WITH THE MANHATTAN INSTITUTE

In an effort to bolster support from conservative circles, Mayor Adams is slated to participate in a fireside chat with the Manhattan Institute next week. Titled “Governing in NYC,” this discussion with the think tank’s president Reihan Salam is set for August 14 at the Hilton Midtown. The Manhattan Institute, known for its critical stance on DEI initiatives and gender identity policies, has welcomed Adams’ leadership as a shift from the previous administration.

Meanwhile, Adams seems to be rekindling relationships with conservative figures, including the Trump-friendly radio host Sid Rosenberg, signaling an attempt to broaden his appeal as he navigates his independent reelection campaign.

— STATEN ISLAND 4 MAMDANI: Democratic leaders in New York City’s most conservative borough are endorsing Zohran Mamdani over Andrew Cuomo. (New York Post)

— NY POST TAKES LA: The New York Post is set to launch a new daily newspaper in Los Angeles called “The California Post” in early 2026. (Axios)

— ‘BASIC DECENCY’: Hochul responded to Texas Senator Ted Cruz after he criticized her for wearing a head covering to the funeral of a slain Muslim NYPD officer. (New York Times)

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