Florida Rolls Out Congressional Map That Could Erase Virginia Dems’ Gerrymander Advantage

Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a newly drawn congressional map that could hand Republicans a major advantage.

Republicans would gain four seats if the new congressional map were to pass, which would cause Florida’s delegation in the House to be represented by 24 Republican and three Democrats, Fox News first reported. The new map was released after voters in Virginia approved a referendum that would give Democrats an advantage in ten out of 11 of the state’s congressional districts.

DeSantis said Republicans have been fighting for fair representation since the 2020 census, stating that the population in Florida has shifted from a Democratic majority to a 1.5 million Republican advantage.

“Florida got shortchanged in the 2020 Census, and we’ve been fighting for fair representation ever since,” DeSantis told Fox News. “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.”

Fifty-one percent of Virginians approved the proposed congressional map Tuesday, though a circuit court in Tazewell County declared it unconstitutional. The Virginia Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the matter during a Monday hearing.

Democrats currently hold six seats in Virginia, while Republicans hold five.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Texas’ redistricting map Monday, which gives Republicans five additional seats in the House of Representatives. California also implemented Prop 50, which temporarily allows Democrats to redraw its congressional maps to help Democrats.