DeSantis’ new map shrinks your vote before you cast it
Florida’s GOP legislature approved a new congressional map pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. It could give Republicans up to four more seats this fall.
Lawmakers moved it in a special session with votes of 83-28 in the House and 21-17 in the Senate. Democrats said the lines were drawn out of public view and tried to pause after the Supreme Court ruled on Louisiana’s map that same day. DeSantis bragged he saw that ruling coming and drew with it in mind.
Under these lines, Republicans are favored in 24 of Florida’s 28 districts, up from 20. The map pushes seats in Tampa and Orlando, plus two in South Florida, toward the GOP. Families in those communities get less say in who speaks for them in Congress, before any ballot is counted.
Florida’s constitution says maps should not be drawn to favor a party. A DeSantis aide said he considered partisan data while drawing these lines, and the governor’s lawyers dismissed race issues and called the map “neutral.” That still favors Republicans. In 2022, the Legislature passed state House and Senate maps that drew no objections at the Florida Supreme Court, according to WUSF. The Legislature has shown it can follow the law.
Courts have also let similar maps stand. Federal judges let Tennessee use a map that split Memphis’ majority-Black district.
You do not have to change parties to reject this. If you want fair competition and real choice, use your vote to say so.
- Share this with one neighbor who thinks maps don’t affect them
- Ask your local officials how these new lines slice your community
- Plan your 2026 vote to reject the mapmakers who shrank your say
- Check your voter registration at Vote.gov
Countdown
The 2026 midterms are in 75 days.
References
Florida Gov. DeSantis unveils proposed congressional map that could let GOP flip up to 4 seats – ABC News – Breaking News, Latest News and Videos. Aug 17, 2026
Tennessee split up its last blue district. Here’s what Memphis voters think as they head to polls – PBS. Aug 6, 2026