Florida Governor DeSantis Proposes Controversial Gerrymandered Congressional Map

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' office has drawn a new congressional map that critics say is a clear partisan gerrymander. The map, which was sent to reporters, color-coded districts by party—four blue for Democrats and 24 red for Republicans. Currently, Florida has 20 Republican seats in its congressional delegation.

Why this matters: Florida's constitution explicitly prohibits intentionally drawing maps to benefit one party. However, former President Donald Trump has urged Republican-led states to redraw districts to improve GOP chances of retaining control of Congress in the November elections.

The proposed map maintains Florida's 28 congressional seats but shifts district boundaries. DeSantis has outlined a three-step strategy to ensure the maps survive legal challenges, according to Axios. However, Democratic and liberal groups have already announced plans to file lawsuits as soon as the maps are approved.

Special Session to Consider New Map

The Florida legislature will convene a special session on Tuesday to review the proposed map, which was first reported by Fox News Digital.

DeSantis has argued that redistricting is necessary to reflect Florida's changing population. He has also cited his dissatisfaction with the state's congressional seat allocation following the 2020 census. Under his proposal, Florida will retain its 28 seats, but the boundaries between them will be adjusted.

DeSantis has also expressed confidence that the U.S. Supreme Court will rule that drawing districts based on race violates the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Legal and Political Reactions

Nick Stephanopoulos, a Harvard Law School professor and director of strategy for the school's Election Law Clinic, told Axios that the proposed map appears to have a clear partisan intent, which is prohibited under Florida's Fair District Amendments.

"It seems completely obvious … that any redrawing of Florida's maps right now would have a partisan intent," Stephanopoulos said. "But he's skeptical the Fair Districts Amendments would 'have any teeth,' given the way the state Supreme Court has already chipped away at it in upholding the current map."

Six of the seven justices on Florida's Supreme Court were appointed by DeSantis, raising concerns about the court's impartiality in future legal challenges.

Normally, redistricting maps use a variety of colors to clearly delineate district boundaries. Florida legislators have historically avoided maps with just red and blue district colors to prevent accusations of partisan gerrymandering.

Potential Risks for Republicans

Analysts warn that redistricting in Florida could backfire, potentially diluting Republican dominance in some districts. This has left sitting House members anxious about their re-election prospects.

Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), who represents a heavily Latino district that includes parts of Miami, has expressed reservations about the redistricting push. When asked if she supported the changes, Salazar replied, "I like my lines."

Salazar has also highlighted concerns about slipping GOP support among Latino voters, a critical voting bloc in Florida that shifted toward Trump in the 2024 election.

DeSantis' relationship with Florida's congressional Republicans is strained, particularly after many supported Trump over the governor in the 2024 GOP primary.

Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated as developments occur.