☀️ AM: Red, Blue, and Re-Do

Good Morning, New York! Hochul is prepared to re-draw New York’s congressional lines mid-cycle to combat changes in Texas, Jamaal Bowman is in contention for Schools Chancellor, and the New York Post will launch a California edition. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Tuesday, August 5th, 2025.

WHERE’s KATHY: In Saratoga County and Albany with no events on the public schedule yet.

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule available.

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Hall Monitors

Good news for New Yorkers: the city's on track for its safest year since 1994, with the lowest number of shootings ever recorded. According to Mayor Adams, major crime is down across the board, and the transit system is the safest it's ever been. While a recent Midtown shooting is a "stain," Adams says it happened against a backdrop of overall crime reduction. (amNY)

Controversial ex-congressman Jamaal Bowman is reportedly in the running for NYC schools chancellor if Zohran Mamdani becomes mayor. However, Bowman previously ran his school without a valid license for nearly two years, violating state education law. Critics also point to his past controversies, including plagiarism accusations and pulling a fire alarm in Congress, questioning his suitability for the role. (City Journal)

Eric Adams is throwing shade at mayoral rival Zohran Mamdani, questioning his sudden support for the NYPD. Adams pointed out that Mamdani, who is now a frontrunner in the mayoral race, skipped six NYPD funerals during his time as a state assemblyman. The Post couldn't find any comments or tweets from Mamdani regarding the deaths of officers killed in the line of duty either. (NY Post)

Capitol Gains

Things are heating up over redistricting: Gov. Hochul says if Texas Republicans can redraw congressional lines mid-decade, New York Democrats are exploring all options to do the same. Flanked by Texas Democrats who fled their state to block a GOP redistricting plan, Hochul blasted it as a blatant power grab and says, "The gloves are off." Republicans like Rep. Stefanik are firing back, accusing Hochul of hypocrisy after the state lost in court for gerrymandering. (State of Politics)

Kenneth Walrath has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the beating death of inmate Robert Brooks. Brooks' death made national news in New York around half a year ago, and of the 6 officers charged with murder, Walrath was the only one to plead guilty. Trials for those who rejected plea deals are reportedly scheduled to start in October. (AP News)

Things are getting spicy in Liverpool, NY! Mayor Stacy Finney is suing her Republican opponent, Thomas Valerino, claiming he fraudulently registered to vote using a business address. While Valerino doesn't technically need to live in the village yet to run, Finney is challenging the validity of his voter registration. The county election commissioners are also investigating, but it looks like the dispute will end up in court. (Syracuse.com)

Trail Mix

Even staunch Israel supporters in the Democratic Party are starting to shift their tone, pointing fingers at the country and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Rep Ritchie Torres, a vocal Zionist, is now questioning Israel, a sign that moderate Democrats may be distancing themselves from their decades-long unqualified support. This shift comes as public opinion sours and even some Republicans are condemning Netanyahu, though other Democrats like John Fetterman are standing firm in their support. (Politico)

The New York Post is heading west to launch The California Post early next year. The new publication will be based in Los Angeles, bringing familiar features like fearless journalism and legendary headlines to the Golden State. Veteran journalist Nick Papps will serve as editor in chief. (NY Post)

A Black Hawk pilot aims to ground Republican Nick LaLota. Army veteran Chris Gallant is challenging LaLota for his Long Island House seat in 2026, hoping to flip the district for the Democrats. LaLota, however, is confident after winning his last three elections by double digits. (Politico)