POLITICS

Florida GOP passes map that could cost Democrats

PUBLISHED May 1, 2026, 12:24 AM ET

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Tallahassee, Fla. — This week the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature approved a new congressional redistricting map, passing the plan in the House (83-28) and Senate (21-17) that redraws district boundaries after the 2020 census; Gov. Ron DeSantis supported the proposal, and lawmakers said it reflects population changes and political leanings this legislative session. Tallahassee reactions: Democrats called the redrawing a partisan power grab and civil rights groups warned about potential minority vote dilution; analysts from both parties identified 24 districts Trump won by double digits in 2024, meaning Republicans could net up to four seats in the midterms while one House seat remains vacant after an April 21 resignation.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

After the 2020 census, state leaders argued for redistricting to reflect population changes.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned on April 21, leaving one House seat vacant.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican legislators proposed a new congressional map.
This week the Florida House (83-28) and Senate (21-17) approved the redistricting plan.
Analysts identified 24 districts Trump won by double digits, projecting up to four GOP gains.

News Intelligence

This redistricting could shift political power in Florida. It might affect your representation in Congress, and potentially, national policies. If you're a Florida voter, keep an eye on your district's changes.

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Who Benefited

Republican candidates and the Florida GOP benefited because the new map increases the number of districts favorable to GOP performance, potentially converting up to four U.S. House seats to Republican control and strengthening statewide GOP representation in the near-term.

Who Impacted

Florida Democrats, and communities of color in particular, suffered potential dilution of electoral influence because the new lines use packing and cracking techniques that reduce the number of competitive Democratic districts and may halve Democratic-held seats.

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