NEW YORK – A U.S. District Judge in Manhattan has ruled that the New York Democratic Primary must take place as scheduled on June 23.
In mid-April, New York State cancelled the primary due to concerns over the coronavirus and as a result of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden being the only nominee after Bernie Sanders dropped out.
Judge Analisa Torres ruled that cancelling the primary would be unconstitutional. In a statement, Judge Torres argued Delegate Plaintiffs will be deprived of the opportunity to compete for delegate slots should the primary not take place.
“The loss of these First Amendment rights is a heavy hardship” said Judge Torres.
Judge Torres also stated there is plenty of time for the state to take the necessary precautions to allow the primary to take place safely.
New York State Democratic chairman Jay Jacobs called the primary “unnecessary” and will review the ruling.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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