Florida to consider new House map to give GOP potential 24-4 advantage
Summary
Florida’s Legislature is set to review a new congressional map proposed by Governor Ron DeSantis that could increase Republican seats from 20 to up to 24 out of 28 total. The plan aims to shrink districts that lean Democratic, especially in Tampa, Orlando, and southeast Florida, which could change the political balance ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.Key Facts
- Florida currently has 20 Republican and 7 Democratic U.S. House representatives, with one seat vacant.
- Governor DeSantis proposed redrawing districts to add up to four more Republican-favored seats.
- The map targets Democratic areas in Tampa, Orlando, and parts of southeast Florida for reduction or redesign.
- Several Democratic incumbents may have to run in more Republican-leaning districts under the new map.
- Florida law has a "Fair Districts" amendment that bans partisan gerrymandering, which could lead to legal challenges.
- DeSantis appointed six of seven current Florida Supreme Court justices, which may make legal challenges harder for Democrats.
- The redistricting aims to reflect population growth since the 2020 census, which DeSantis says led to undercounting Florida residents.
- The changes may affect protected minority districts, such as a majority Hispanic district represented by Democratic Rep. Darren Soto.
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