Florida Gov. DeSantis Plans Mid-Decade Congressional Redistricting

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has indicated support for redrawing congressional district lines in the middle of the decade, citing population shifts and alleged defects in the current map upheld by the Florida Supreme Court. This move aligns with similar efforts by Texas Republicans, encouraged by President Trump, to redraw maps to help the GOP maintain its narrow House majority ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. DeSantis criticized the original 2022 congressional map, which he vetoed and replaced with one that increased Republican representation from 16 to 20 seats, although critics argue it diminished Black representation and serves partisan interests. Democrats, including House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, condemn the proposed mid-decade redistricting as a dangerous abuse of power and warn it could lead to costly litigation, emphasizing that redistricting should only occur once every ten years based on census data. DeSantis also expressed frustration over Florida receiving only one new congressional seat after the census despite significant population growth, believing the state deserved more representation. The debate highlights ongoing partisan tensions in Florida and other states over redistricting practices and electoral advantage ahead of crucial elections.