politics
Florida Lawmakers Consider DeSantis' Map Adding Up to Four GOP House Seats
Florida's legislature convened a special session to review Gov. Ron DeSantis' congressional redistricting map, which aims to create up to four more Republican-leaning districts ahead of the 2026 midterms. The proposal follows similar efforts in other states and could shift the state's current 20-7 Republican advantage to 24-4.
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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.
