The Florida House on Wednesday approved a new congressional map proposed by Governor Ron DeSantis that would give Republicans up to four additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. The map, which now heads to the Florida Senate where Republicans hold a two-thirds majority, aims to eliminate or shrink Democratic-leaning districts in Tampa, Orlando, and parts of the state's southeast coast.
Core Facts & Immediate Action
The map's passage came hours after the U.S. Supreme Court narrowed a section of the Voting Rights Act that required some states to create majority-minority districts. At least one of the districts redrawn by DeSantis was a majority-Hispanic district in central Florida. Three Republicans on Florida's Senate Rules Committee voted against the map on Tuesday, but seven GOP defectors would be needed to block its passage.
Deeper Dive & Context
Partisan and Legal Challenges
The proposal has drawn objections from Democrats and legal experts, who argue it violates Florida's 2010 Fair Districts Amendment, which prohibits partisan gerrymandering. Attorney Mohammed Jazil, during committee hearings, did not confirm whether the maps complied with the Voting Rights Act provision. Jewish Democratic leaders have also criticized the map for targeting districts held by pro-Israel Democrats, including Reps. Jared Moskowitz and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, warning it could sideline key voices on Middle East policy.
Broader Implications
The map is part of a broader national push by both parties to reshape House districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Florida's current delegation consists of 20 Republicans and seven Democrats, with one Democratic-leaning seat vacant after Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick's resignation. Democrats have signaled plans to challenge the map in court if approved.
Diverse Perspectives
Supporters of the map argue it reflects demographic shifts and ensures fair representation. Opponents, including Democratic Majority for Israel, call it a "blatant attempt" to marginalize pro-Israel lawmakers and a violation of Florida's redistricting laws. The Supreme Court's recent ruling on the Voting Rights Act has further complicated the legal landscape for such redistricting efforts.