TALLAHASSEE — On Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis released his proposed map of the state's congressional districts, which would leave Democrats with only four majority districts. Republicans would increase their majority districts from 20 of 28 to 24 of 28.
DeSantis released the map to Fox News before even sending it to lawmakers and drew criticism for coloring the proposed districts red and blue, seemingly acknowledging the effort's blatantly partisan nature. In DeSantis' vision, not even deep-blue pockets like St. Petersburg would have a Democratic majority district.
Florida has a Fair District Amendment, passed by voters via referendum, which mandates that no individual district can be drawn "with the intent to favor or disfavor a political party or incumbent."
DeSantis claims that federal protections for minority-access districts are likely unconstitutional and, therefore, the state's anti-gerrymandering laws should be ignored.
"The people of Florida have been deprived of appropriate representation in the U.S. House of Representatives," wrote David Axelman, the general counsel for Gov. DeSantis. "Despite substantial population growth since the 2010 census, which catapulted Florida to the third most populous state in the nation, Florida gained only one additional seat in the House after the 2020 census. However, a post-census survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau demonstrated that Florida was shortchanged by more than 760,000 people. This undercount cost Florida at least one additional House seat."
By claiming that the Supreme Court of the United States is about to rule on a Louisiana case that would "force" Florida to redistrict, DeSantis seems to be responding to an expected ruling before it is even issued.
That case argues that Section 2 of the U.S. Voting Rights Act is unconstitutional. The section bans voting laws or procedures that deny or abridge voting rights on the basis of a person's "race or color" or membership in a language minority.
3 comments on this item
Only paid subscribers can comment
Please log in to comment by clicking here.
pattybeenutty
Who said Hitler is not in charge?
Our Representatives must reject this proposed redistricting. Try having a conscience.
Wednesday, April 29 Report this
johnschussler
Rule by one political party, like Russia and China.
Wednesday, April 29 Report this
THarte
DeSantis says there is not fair representation- wait - in my neck of the woods - there is no one to call from my federal elected officials - to state to local - that represent me - it’s all the “unrepresented” Republicans that are in power? What state does DeSantis live in?
Wednesday, April 29 Report this