Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled a new congressional map for the state that could shift Florida’s representation in the U.S. House from 20 Republican and 8 Democratic seats to 24 Republican and 4 Democratic seats if lawmakers approve it and it survives legal challenges.
The proposal, which would consolidate GOP-leaning areas while leaving only four Democratic-favored districts, is part of a broader national redistricting battle. Florida currently sends 28 members to the U.S. House, with one seat vacant following the resignation of former Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.
DeSantis cited Florida’s population growth and Republican voter-registration advantage as justification for the change, noting that the state has a 1.5 million registration edge for Republicans. He stated that Florida was shortchanged in the 2020 Census and that the current congressional map no longer reflects evolving demographics.
The new map requires approval by Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature and then a signature from the governor before it can be used for the 2026 midterms. Legal challenges are expected, as Florida has Fair Districts Amendments that restrict maps drawn to favor a party or incumbent. DeSantis’s general counsel argued that these amendments may be unconstitutional because they require race-conscious districting.
Democrats have characterized the move as a partisan power grab, while Republicans view it as a strategic effort to strengthen their House majority. Election experts warn that stretching the map too far could make some Republican seats less secure in future elections.
The Florida Legislature is scheduled to hold a special session to review the map, with a potential floor vote imminent. If approved, the plan would affect districts in Central and South Florida and could flip several Democratic-held seats.
This redistricting effort comes as Texas, California, Virginia and now Florida are all part of an escalating national battle over congressional maps that began after multiple states moved to redraw lines outside the traditional once-a-decade census cycle.