Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a proposal on Monday to redraw the state's congressional maps. The aggressive plan seeks to create up to four new GOP-leaning seats, potentially flipping several House seats currently held by Democrats to Republicans ahead of November's midterm elections.
Florida legislators will convene in Tallahassee on Tuesday for a fast-track, four-day special session to consider the redistricting. This effort comes as Republicans attempt to pick up more seats in Congress during what appears to be a hostile year for their party.
The proposal is part of a broader nationwide gerrymandering battle sparked by Donald Trump. Through this redrawing of lines, DeSantis is attempting to challenge anti-gerrymandering language written into the state Constitution.
As the session begins, lawmakers face a dilemma over whether to draw a map that pleases the president but risks electing more Democrats, or to focus on maintaining safe seats. If approved, the redistricting plan could allow Republicans to regain their lead in the national gerrymandering arms race before the 2026 election.