John Liu (left) and Toby Ann Stavisky
June 1, 2022 By Christian Murray
Call it a case of political switcheroo.
Two Queens state senators are swapping districts following the redrafting of the newly-drawn electoral maps.
State Sen John Liu, who currently represents District 11, said Sunday that he plans to run for the redrawn District 16, which now incorporates where he resides in Flushing.
Meanwhile, State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky, who currently represents the 16th District, has announced that she will be running for District 11.
Their announcements come a little over a week since the state finalized the new state senate maps. The district lines were determined May 20 by a court-appointed special master who was required to draw them along with revised congressional maps.
The initial maps—which were crafted by the Democratic-controlled state legislature— were ruled unconstitutional following Republican allegations of gerrymandering.
Liu, who has represented northeast Queens in both the city council and state senate, noted that he has lived in Flushing for nearly three decades.
He said that it’s been an honor to represent District 11– including the communities of College Point, Whitestone, Bay Terrace, Douglaston, Little Neck, Glen Oaks, Bellerose, Queens Village, Floral Park, Hollis and Jamaica– for the past four years.
“I’ve decided to run for re-election in newly drawn Senate 16 where my house of the last 29 years is now in,” Liu tweeted. “Looking forward to representing and fighting for my constituents in Flushing, Bayside, Oakland Gardens and Fresh Meadows. Let’s do this.”
I’ve decided to run for re-election in newly drawn Senate 16 where my house of the last 29 years is now in. Looking forward to representing and fighting for my constituents in Flushing, Bayside, Oakland Gardens and Fresh Meadows. Let’s do this.
— John C. Liu (@LiuNewYork) May 29, 2022
Stavisky told Gothamist over the weekend that she is running to represent District 11.
“After reviewing the courts’ newly drawn maps, I am happy to announce I am running for Senate District 11, a district with which I have a great deal of history. It is the community I raised my family in, a community I’ve represented in the past and a community I consider to be home. I look forward to hitting the campaign trail!”
THE CITY reported last week that she owns an apartment in Beechhurst, which is part of the revised District 11. She also owns an apartment in Forest Hills, within the confines of the current District 16.
“I have had the privilege of representing many neighborhoods throughout my tenure in the State Senate. From Bayside to Flushing; Whitestone to Bay Terrace, I’ve always made it a priority to serve my constituents to the best of my ability,” Stavisky added.
The revised Senate District 11 will include College Point, Whitestone, Beechhurst, Douglaston, Little Neck, Glen Oaks, Bellerose, Queens Village and the tip of Bayside.
Candidates are not required to live in their respective district during a redistricting year. They are eligible to run as long as the live in the county.
Revised state senate districts (RedistrictingandYou)
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