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Florida legislature passes redistricting plan
Florida lawmakers voted Wednesday to adopt new congressional maps that could strengthen Republican control of the U.S. House of Representatives in this year's midterm elections. Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the measure, which analysts say may shift up to four seats toward the GOP.
Supreme Court ruling clears path
The vote occurred hours after the U.S. Supreme Court restricted how lawmakers can consider race when drawing voting districts. The decision effectively weakened the Voting Rights Act, removing a key legal barrier to partisan redistricting in Southern states.
DeSantis celebrated the ruling on social media, calling it a validation of his push to redraw Florida's electoral boundaries without racial considerations. He argued the decision nullifies a state constitutional provision that previously required race to be factored into redistricting.
National redistricting battle heats up
Florida's move intensifies a nationwide redistricting contest triggered by former President Donald Trump's call for conservative states to reshape districts in favor of Republicans. The effort aims to preserve the GOP's slim House majority ahead of November's elections.
Texas launched the current cycle by redrawing maps to create five new Republican-leaning districts. California responded by approving maps that offset those gains with five additional Democratic-leaning seats. Virginia voters also recently backed a redistricting plan that could benefit Democrats.
If Florida's maps take effect, Republicans could emerge with a net advantage, potentially tipping the balance in the closely divided House.
Political stakes in Florida
The state currently has 20 Republican and seven Democratic House members, with one vacant seat leaning Democratic. The new maps target Democratic strongholds in Tampa, Orlando, and parts of the southeast coast, according to CBS News.
Historically, the party holding the White House loses House seats in midterm elections. A Democratic victory in November would derail Trump's agenda and could lead to congressional investigations into his administration.
Gerrymandering's legal landscape
In the U.S., partisan gerrymandering-redrawing districts to favor one party-remains legal unless race is the primary factor. The Supreme Court's recent ruling further limits challenges under the Voting Rights Act, making it easier for states to pursue politically motivated redistricting.
