POLITICS

DeSantis Signs New Congressional Map, Legal Challenge Looms

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Tallahassee: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday signed into law a new congressional district map after lawmakers returned to Tallahassee for a special session called by a proclamation he issued earlier this year. DeSantis offered a proposed map last week, one day before the session began. Lawmakers last redrew district lines in 2022 after the 2020 Census, when reapportionment increased Florida's U.S. House delegation to 28 seats. The map makes no changes to North Florida districts but alters lines in Central and South Florida. The new map is expected to increase Republican-held U.S. House seats from 20 to 24 and reduce Democratic seats from eight to four. Democrats could lose one seat in the Orlando area, one in the Tampa area, and two in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

2020 Census increases Florida's congressional apportionment.
2022 redistricting established current districts after reapportionment.
Governor DeSantis issued a proclamation and proposed a new map this year.
GOP-controlled Legislature approved the new map and DeSantis signed it into law.
Lawsuits (e.g., Equal Ground Educ. Fund v. Byrd) filed this week challenging the map.

Why This Matters to You

The new map could shift Florida's political balance. It might affect your representation in Congress, especially if you live in Central or South Florida. Keep an eye on any changes in your district.

The Bottom Line

The map's approval is not the final word. Legal challenges are already underway, questioning its fairness. Stay informed about these lawsuits. They could impact your vote. Worth forwarding if you know someone in Florida.