How DeSantis’ plan would change Florida’s map
Republicans currently occupy 20 of Florida’s 28 House seats. The redrawn map unveiled by DeSantis could allow them to secure an additional four.
Florida’s constitution effectively prohibits partisan redistricting. DeSantis, however, contended to Fox News that the map he has proposed “more fairly represents the makeup of Florida today,” pointing to changes in the state’s population makeup since the 2020 Census and what he characterized as the current voting lines’ “unconstitutional” consideration of race. On the latter point, DeSantis has previously cited, among other things, a case being considered by the Supreme Court regarding the use of race as a factor in redrawing voting maps in Louisiana, though the court has not yet issued a decision in the case.
“Florida got shortchanged in the 2020 Census, and we’ve been fighting for fair representation ever since,” DeSantis told Fox News, which received the proposed map from his office even before state lawmakers. “Our population has since grown dramatically, and we have moved from a Democrat majority to a 1.5 million Republican advantage. Drawing maps based on race, which is reflected in our current congressional districts, is unconstitutional and should be prohibited.”