Florida Supreme Court rejects a challenge to a new redistricting map

The Florida Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday to allow new U.S. House districts, drawn by Republicans, to proceed for the midterm elections, handing the GOP another victory in its nationwide redistricting push. In a 6-1 decision, the court denied a request for a temporary injunction from voters who argued the districts violate Florida’s state constitutional ban on partisan gerrymandering, stating it lacked jurisdiction to intervene while lower courts review the case. The new map, signed into law by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis after a swift two-day special legislative session, could help the GOP secure four additional seats in Florida’s 28-member delegation. Republicans already hold 20 seats, and the court’s decision provides clarity for candidates ahead of the August 18 primary filing deadline. Republican Attorney General James Uthmeier celebrated the ruling as a 'complete and total victory,' while opponents, including Equal Ground and Common Cause Florida, condemned the map as a partisan gerrymander and vowed to continue legal challenges. Genesis Robinson of Equal Ground called the decision an 'assault on democracy,' while Amy Keith of Common Cause Florida labeled the map a 'pretty clear partisan gerrymander.' Florida’s redistricting follows a broader GOP strategy to reshape districts nationwide, including efforts to eliminate majority-minority districts that favor Democratic representation. The state legislature approved the new map on April 29, the same day the U.S. Supreme Court weakened federal Voting Rights Act protections in a Louisiana case. DeSantis’ office claimed no racial data was used in drafting the map, though critics argue it diminishes minority voting influence by redrawing a southeastern Florida district previously designed to elect a Black representative. The new districts also comply with a 2010 Florida constitutional amendment prohibiting gerrymandering to deny racial or language minorities the ability to elect representatives of their choice. The amendment requires districts to be compact and align with existing political and geographic boundaries where feasible. Despite legal challenges, the map will now shape Florida’s elections through at least 2028.