Onondaga County Democrats are moving toward litigation to stop the recently approved legislative district map from moving forward.

During a press conference Thursday, leaders with the party announced they are filing a formal complaint in state Supreme Court to stop the maps from going into place next year.

After a contentious lead-up, the maps passed last year by a 9-8 vote and were soon after signed into law by County Executive Ryan McMahon.

Months later, the Democrats say they violate the county's charter, the state constitution and state law on redistricting guidelines.

Democrats are saying it could have been avoided if Republicans had agreed on an independent redistricting commission instead of an advisory committee, in what they contend was a rushed process.

"This process was designed at the start to put a partisan gerrymander to ensure a minority rule of Republicans on the county Legislature. And our experts that we are bringing forth in our proceedings will show this," said Onondaga County Democratic Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny. 

Republican and Onondaga County Legislative Chairman Jim Rowley said they knew this was coming, but is now asking why it took the Democrats so long to file.

He also brought up the past contentious aquarium vote and an upcoming budget vote, saying it could be more contentious without collaboration.