Florida Supreme Court leaves in place new GOP-boosting US House map for elections

Florida’s Supreme Court has upheld a new congressional map that shifts the state toward four more Republican-leaning U.S. House districts, ensuring it remains in place for the upcoming midterm elections. The court rejected an emergency request to block the map, leaving the case to be heard first by a lower court, which had already declined to expedite the process. The map, created by Governor Ron DeSantis’ office and approved by Republican lawmakers, is expected to secure 24 Republican seats and just four Democratic seats in the U.S. House. This outcome contrasts sharply with Florida’s 2024 presidential election, where 43% of voters backed Kamala Harris despite the state’s strong Republican lean in congressional races. Voting rights groups, including the Equal Ground Education Fund and Common Cause Florida, argue the map violates Florida’s 2010 voter-approved restrictions on partisan gerrymandering. Genesis Robinson, executive director of the Equal Ground Education Fund, called it a ‘partisan power grab in service to Donald Trump,’ while Amy Keith of Common Cause Florida described it as ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘harmful to Floridians.’ Republican Party of Florida chair Evan Power defended the map, stating it is ‘fair and compact’ and will give voters more influence over representation. Governor DeSantis’ office has signaled confidence the courts will ultimately uphold the map, despite ongoing legal challenges. The dispute stems from Florida’s history of gerrymandering battles, with critics arguing the new map dilutes Democratic voting power while maximizing Republican advantages. Legal proceedings will now focus on whether the map complies with state constitutional limits on partisan redistricting.