Within the Margin

It was confirmed today that we can expect a new Asian-majority State Senate district in Queens when LATFOR releases its maps (originally expected late this morning). We’re told it will be 52% Asian and based in Flushing – here’s what just such a district might look like – click for larger image:

This district would incorporate much of the territory from the current 11th district, which Republican Frank Padavan represented from 1972 to 2010. Padavan held on in 2008 by 483 votes before losing to Democrat Tony Avella two years later. The territory within the borders depicted voted 62.8% for Barack Obama in 2008, compared to 62.6% in the old Padavan district. Once upon a time, the Republicans probably thought New York City Councilman Peter Koo might run for them in this seat, but Koo became a Democrat this month.