Florida Lawmakers Consider DeSantis' Map Adding Up to Four GOP House Seats

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed a new congressional map that could give Republicans up to four additional U.S. House seats, as lawmakers gathered for a special session in Tallahassee. The map targets Democratic-leaning districts in Tampa, Orlando, and southeast Florida, potentially affecting representatives such as Jared Moskowitz, Lois Frankel, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Kathy Castor, and Darren Soto.

DeSantis unveiled the map on Monday, arguing it addresses a 2020 census undercount and population growth in areas like Tampa, Orlando, and north of Palm Beach County. His general counsel, David Axelman, stated in a letter to legislative leaders that the map uses race-neutral districts and reconfigures areas of high growth based on 2020 census data.

The current Florida delegation includes 20 Republicans and seven Democrats, with one vacant seat following the resignation of Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick last week. If approved, the map could result in a 24-4 Republican advantage. University of Florida political science professor Michael McDonald said the map intends to diminish Democratic representation below what a fair map would provide, though he estimated Republicans might gain three seats, with one remaining competitive or Democratic-leaning.

The special session began Tuesday and is set to run through Friday. House Speaker Danny Perez, a Republican, indicated the House would vote on the map Wednesday. Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, but the Senate president, Ben Albritton, reminded senators of state constitutional limits on redistricting.

The map faces potential legal challenges under Florida's Fair Districts amendment, which bans partisan gerrymandering. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the proposal, stating it violates the Florida constitution and the 14th Amendment by targeting communities of color in south and central Florida.

Democratic Rep. Darren Soto's majority-Hispanic district in central Florida is protected under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, though a pending Supreme Court decision could affect that provision.

“The representation for Florida Democrats will clearly be diminished within the state — at least that's the intention.”

Florida's effort follows President Donald Trump's push for mid-decade redistricting in Republican-led states, starting with Texas last year. Similar battles are ongoing in Virginia, where a referendum for Democratic gains faces court challenges, and in Wisconsin.

DeSantis first announced the special session in January. He provided the map to Fox News first, with color-coded districts showing expected political leans. Karl Rove, a former adviser to President George W. Bush, warned that aggressive redistricting could dilute GOP advantages and risk seat losses if margins thin.

DeSantis also requested legislation on artificial intelligence regulations and vaccine exemptions for children during the session. House Speaker Danny Perez announced Tuesday that the House would not consider these proposals. Perez cited a federal executive order by President Donald Trump, stating AI policy should be handled at the federal level.

No Republican in the House filed the AI bill DeSantis requested. The Florida Senate passed related legislation on a bipartisan vote, but the issue is moot without House action. DeSantis criticized the decision on social media, stating voters elected Republicans to protect freedom against Big Tech and the medical industrial complex, and no House member filed the bills.

DeSantis has positioned himself as skeptical of rapid AI expansion, focusing on risks to children and opposition to data centers. His political adviser, Taryn Fenske, said earlier this year that chatbots are convincing children to commit suicide. This stance contrasts with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who support federal AI regulation and the industry.

Vance, in a Fox News interview last fall, compared AI job growth to ATMs and warned against left-leaning states dominating regulation. An NBC News poll in March found 57% of registered voters concerned that AI risks outweigh benefits, with a plurality distrusting both parties on the issue.

Republican pollster Micha Roberts noted concerns among younger voters and women under 50 about job impacts. DeSantis is considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate, facing competition from Vance and Rubio. His redistricting push echoes his role in the 2022 map that expanded GOP seats.

Influential Florida lobbyist Brian Ballard said DeSantis deserves credit for the current map's success.

“I think that eventually you’re going to have some standard applied, whether it’s a federal standard or whether it’s one state standard dominating.”

AI has become a key political issue, with super PACs like Leading the Future spending $5 million to support Rep. Byron Donalds' gubernatorial bid, who is endorsed by Trump and seen as industry-friendly. Vance, with Silicon Valley ties, spoke at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris last year, warning that excessive regulation could kill the industry.

He has adjusted his tone amid voter concerns about data centers. DeSantis' AI push aligns with his national positioning, but the House's refusal highlights intra-party tensions, including a feud with Perez. Whit Ayres, DeSantis' 2018 pollster, said the governor's national window appears narrow.