politics
DeSantis Proposes Florida Map Adding Four Republican Seats
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a redistricting plan that could give Republicans four additional House seats for the 2026 midterms. The proposal follows Virginia's recent approval of a map favoring Democrats by a similar margin. State lawmakers are set to vote on the Florida map this week amid partisan disputes and legal challenges in multiple states.
Apr 27, 5:42 PM·2m read5 sources
+2
upi.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
House of Representatives. The map redraws districts to reflect population growth and shifts in partisan makeup, according to statements from DeSantis. If approved by the Republican-controlled state legislature and signed into law, it would take effect for the November 2026 midterm elections.
The current Florida congressional delegation consists of 20 Republicans and seven Democrats, with one Democratic seat vacant after a resignation.
The Florida proposal comes shortly after Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment on April 27, 2026, allowing a redrawn map that projections show would result in 10 Democratic seats and one Republican seat. Currently, Virginia has six Democratic and five Republican representatives.
The Virginia map was approved by 51.5% of voters in a referendum. DeSantis linked the Florida map to addressing what he described as unfair representation, stating that drawing districts based on race is unconstitutional. The Washington Times reported that the Florida move aims to counter the Democratic gains in Virginia.
“Florida got shortchanged in the 2020 Census, and we’ve been fighting for fair representation ever since," DeSantis told Fox News Digital. Jeffries stated that Democrats could gain seats in California under new maps there. DeSantis responded by inviting Jeffries to campaign in Florida, expressing confidence in Republican strength. House Speaker Mike Johnson supported Florida's redistricting effort, stating that the state has the right to proceed. The redistricting occurs amid a national battle, with states like Texas having redrawn maps last year at the urging of President Trump, aiming to add five Republican seats. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that found the Texas map to be an illegal racial gerrymander.”
Virginia, the state Supreme Court heard arguments on April 27, 2026, from opponents who claim the redistricting amendment violates the constitution. McCarthy argued before the court that the amendment is invalid for several reasons. A ruling is expected within weeks.
