Florida legislature

Florida Legislature Approves New Congressional Map Designed to Maximize Republican Advantage

The Florida Legislature approved a new congressional map proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that could increase Republican seats to 24-4 from the current 20-8 split. The map was passed in a whirlwind special session just two days after DeSantis unveiled his proposal and on the same day the U.S. Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act. Democrats and activists condemned the process as a partisan power play to satisfy Trump and boost DeSantis' future political ambitions. The map reshapes districts in Democratic areas around Orlando, Tampa-St. Petersburg, and south Florida, and is certain to face lawsuits under Florida's constitutional prohibition on partisan redistricting.