ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced plans on Wednesday to convene a special legislative session in April. The goal is for the Republican-majority legislature to create new congressional districts, aligning with a trend where states revise districts mid-decade.
Although Florida’s 2026 legislative session is set to commence next week, DeSantis expressed a desire to await a potential ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court on a significant aspect of the Voting Rights Act. The pending decision in Louisiana v. Callais could influence the constitutionality of Section 2, which prohibits discriminatory voting practices.
“It’s not a matter of if they will rule, but rather how broad the ruling will be,” DeSantis stated during a news conference in Steinhatchee, Florida. “We’re preparing in advance of that outcome.”
Should Florida redraw its congressional districts in a way that benefits Republicans, it could significantly impact former President Donald Trump’s strategy to reshape districts in Republican-led states. Such changes might enable the GOP to gain seats in the midterm elections, potentially securing their hold on the narrowly split U.S. House.
The ongoing mid-decade redistricting efforts across the country have so far yielded a potential gain of nine seats for Republicans in states like Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio. Meanwhile, Democrats anticipate winning six additional seats in California and Utah, giving Republicans a slight edge of three seats. Nevertheless, these new maps face legal challenges in several states, and their validity remains uncertain as the 2026 elections approach.
Back in 2010, more than 60% of Florida voters supported a constitutional amendment aimed at preventing gerrymandering, ensuring district boundaries are not drawn to unduly favor any political party.
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