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Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday unveiled a proposed congressional map aimed at adding four Republican-leaning seats, as redistricting battles intensify nationwide ahead of the midterm elections.
The proposal comes days after Virginia approved a referendum expected to favor Democrats, highlighting an escalating back-and-forth between the parties over control of the U.S. House.
Under DeSantis’ plan, only four of Florida’s 28 congressional districts would lean Democratic. The state’s current delegation includes 20 Republicans and seven Democrats, with one Democratic seat vacant following a recent resignation.
“Florida got shortchanged in the 2020 Census, and we’ve been fighting for fair representation ever since,” DeSantis said in a statement. “Our population has since grown dramatically, and we have moved from a Democrat majority to a 1.5 million Republican advantage. Drawing maps based on race, which is reflected in our current congressional districts, is unconstitutional and should be prohibited.”
“Our new map for 2026 makes good on my promise to conduct mid-decade redistricting, and it more fairly represents the makeup of Florida today,” DeSantis added.
Florida lawmakers are set to consider the proposal during a special legislative session beginning Tuesday. The Republican-controlled Legislature has not introduced alternative maps and is expected to focus solely on the governor’s plan. If approved, the map would head to DeSantis for signature in time for the November elections.
Some Republicans have raised concerns about the risks of redrawing the map, warning that changes could make certain GOP-held districts more competitive. Recent special elections have already seen Democrats flip two Republican seats in the state.
Daniel Perez signaled openness to the proposal.
“I think it’s something we should absolutely take the conversation on. [We’re] seeing it in left-leaning states, seeing it in right-leaning states. This is a conversation that everyone is having across the country,” Perez said.
Redistricting efforts in multiple states, including Texas, North Carolina and California, have left the parties roughly balanced nationally, though analysts say Florida’s changes could shift that dynamic.
The proposal is likely to face legal scrutiny, as Florida’s redistricting process is governed by strict constitutional standards that have previously led to court challenges.