Impartial redistricting is the most basic reform required to fix our broken government, and the chance comes only once a decade. When the power to redraw district boundaries lies in the hands of the legislature, the resulting detrimental effects trickle deep into our communities. It means favored members have gerrymandered seats that are virtually guaranteed to be safe. It’s why legislators are more likely to die or be indicted than to be voted out of office. And it’s why they can so often cater to special interests without fear of punishment at the polls.

New York Uprising spent the 2010 election-year collecting pledges from candidates for office, committing themselves to support independent redistricting, as well as responsible budgeting and ethics reform. Over 350 candidates took the pledge and were named "Heroes of Reform" by Uprising and founder, former NYC Mayor Ed Koch. Those who refused to take the pledge were named "Enemies of Reform". Ultimately 138 "Heroes" were elected to the legislature, comprising a majority in each house.