First lawsuit filed as Florida becomes battleground for redistricting
Just days after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed California’s new redistricting map to move forward, two Florida residents have filed a lawsuit aimed at stopping Republicans from reshaping Florida’s congressional districts.
The suit alleges that Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and Secretary of State Cord Byrd exceeded their authority by making election-related changes before the Legislature approved new district maps.
Implications for US House control
DeSantis has called a special legislative session for April 20 to address redistricting – a move analysts say could give Republicans three to five additional seats in the U.S. House if district lines are redrawn. Republicans currently hold a 20-8 advantage in Florida’s congressional delegation.
What Florida law allows
According to Politico, Florida law permits redistricting following the decennial census but does not explicitly address mid-decade redistricting, which has emerged as a flashpoint in several states.
After DeSantis announced the special session, Byrd moved the qualifying period for congressional races from April to June, citing state law that allows changes during a redistricting year. The plaintiffs argue those changes are not valid unless and until the Legislature passes a new map, and that the governor cannot unilaterally declare that redistricting will occur.
“Gov. DeSantis exceeded his constitutional authority by usurping a core legislative responsibility in service of his desire to enact a mid-decade gerrymander,” said Marina Jenkins, executive director of the National Redistricting Foundation. “The Florida constitution is clear, the Legislature is the branch of government that is responsible for redistricting.”
Democrats have vowed to challenge the effort at every stage.
Broader redistricting fight
DeSantis began advocating for new district lines last summer after Texas moved to redraw its congressional map at the urging of President Donald Trump – a shift expected to benefit Republicans. In December, the Supreme Court declined to block Texas’ new map.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom responded by pushing redistricting to the ballot. Voters approved new maps in November, a move analysts say could give Democrats up to five additional seats and offset gains in Texas.
The Supreme Court later rejected a challenge by California Republicans, ruling the maps reflected partisan considerations rather than racial discrimination – a key distinction, since the Court has said partisan gerrymandering claims are not reviewable in federal court.
What comes next
DeSantis is closely watching a pending Louisiana case before the Supreme Court that could further restrict the use of race in drawing congressional districts. He argues a similar ruling would allow Florida to redraw seats in South Florida with large Black and Hispanic populations.
The legal fight unfolds against the backdrop of the 2026 midterm elections, where Republicans hold a narrow House majority, and Democrats need a net gain of just three seats to flip control.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
