DeSantis Signs New Congressional Map Into Law, Legal Challenges Expected
DeSantis quietly signed controversial redistricting legislation that could give Republicans up to four additional House seats, prompting Democrats to threaten immediate legal challenges.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation into law Monday making his newly designed congressional redistricting map official, setting up potential legal challenges from Democrats and voting rights groups who claim the map violates Florida’s constitution.
DeSantis posted “Signed, sealed, delivered” on X along with a map of the 28 newly drawn districts after quietly signing House Bill 1D. The legislation formally adopts the governor’s congressional redistricting plan that Democrats and voting rights organizations allege violates Florida’s Fair Districts Amendments, which ban partisan gerrymandering.
Republican Gains Expected
The new map could increase Florida’s Republican representation in the U.S. House of Representatives by three to four seats. DeSantis’ office demonstrated confidence in these projections by sending Fox News a color-coded map of Florida painted red with four blue spots representing Democratic seats on April 27, an hour before submitting it to state legislators.
The GOP-controlled Legislature approved the map Wednesday on a mostly party-line vote. Five Republicans broke ranks to oppose the measure — four senators and one House member.
Democrats Promise Court Fight
House Democratic Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a sharp statement hours after DeSantis signed the legislation, promising legal action.
“The lame-duck Governor of Florida is auditioning for Donald Trump’s undying love after his presidential aspirations were crushed in 2024,” Jeffries said in a written statement. “Democrats have brutally thwarted the MAGA midterm power grab and we will continue to push back aggressively.”
Jeffries concluded his statement by saying “see you in court,” signaling Democrats plan to challenge the map’s legality in federal or state courts.
Constitutional Concerns Raised
Critics argue the new congressional boundaries violate Florida’s Fair Districts Amendments, which voters approved to prevent lawmakers from drawing district lines that favor one political party over another. Voting rights groups have been vocal opponents of the redistricting effort.
Genesis Robinson of Equal Ground was among protesters who gathered outside the Florida Capitol during the special legislative session on April 28. The demonstration occurred as lawmakers convened inside to consider the redistricting legislation, which passed the following day.
The signing makes Florida’s new congressional map official just as the state prepares for upcoming elections. With litigation expected to follow, the ultimate fate of the redistricting plan may be decided in the courts rather than the legislature.
