DeSantis Proposes New Congressional Map for Florida

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has introduced a new congressional map that could potentially hand Republicans four additional seats. If the state Legislature, which is currently dominated by Republicans, gives the green light, the proposal will be sent back to DeSantis for final approval, aimed at implementation for the 2026 midterm elections.

“Florida didn’t achieve its fair share in the 2020 Census, and we’ve been advocating for fair representation since then,” DeSantis stated. He noted that the state’s population has surged significantly, shifting from a Democratic majority to a Republican one with an increase of 1.5 million people. DeSantis criticized the idea of drawing districts based on race, labeling it unconstitutional.

He continued, “The new 2026 map fulfills my commitment to mid-decade redistricting and better reflects the current demographic landscape of Florida.”

Presently, Florida’s congressional delegation consists of 20 Republicans and seven Democrats, with eight Democratic seats vacant due to the resignation of former Congresswoman Sheila Cherfils McCormick. This map proposal comes in the wake of Virginia’s recent approval of a constitutional amendment to redraw its congressional districts, which is expected to shift four Republican seats to Democratic control.

Democratic leaders including Gov. Abigail Spanberger and former President Barack Obama praised Virginia’s newly proposed map. Spanberger remarked, “Virginia voters made their voices heard and approved measures to counter a president who believes he has the right to increase Republican representation.” She stated that progress was made through the democratic process.

According to projections, after Virginia’s recent amendment, Democrats are projected to win 10 out of the 11 congressional seats, while Republicans may only secure one. Currently, Democrats hold six seats and Republicans hold five in Virginia.

DeSantis’ new congressional map reflects Florida’s demographic shifts and the changing political landscape, consolidating Republican-leaning regions while creating four more favorable seats for the party. A source close to DeSantis asserted that this plan was in the works long before the changes in Virginia, emphasizing that the focus is on Florida’s population growth.

In California, a similar tactic has been employed through Proposition 50, allowing the state to redraw congressional maps, resulting in four upcoming Democratic-leaning seats that were previously held by Republicans.

DeSantis is facing pushback from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who remarked that the Florida Republican Party risks finding itself in a precarious position. “If they follow the DeSantis dummy-mander approach, they could face difficulties similar to those of Texas Republicans,” Jeffries warned.

DeSantis responded to Jeffries by encouraging Democratic candidates to visit Florida for campaigning, asserting that the state’s Republican base remains strong as the midterms approach. He even invited them to stay at the governor’s mansion and enjoy some fishing.

“We’re eager for you to visit,” DeSantis said, expressing confidence in Florida’s political landscape. As both parties ramp up their redistricting efforts, this issue remains a hot topic as they navigate narrow majorities in various states.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also voiced support for the redistricting initiative in Florida, affirming that the state has the right to take this action.