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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a special legislative session in April to address congressional redistricting. The session, scheduled from April 20 to April 24, aims to ensure that Florida's congressional maps reflect the state's population and comply with an anticipated U.S. Supreme Court ruling. DeSantis emphasized the importance of fair representation, stating, "Every Florida resident deserves to be represented fairly and constitutionally." The session will occur after the regular legislative session, allowing lawmakers to focus on other pressing issues first.
The redistricting session comes amid a national focus on mid-decade redistricting, as states across the U.S. redraw congressional maps. The Supreme Court's upcoming decision in Louisiana v. Callais could impact at least one or two districts in Florida. This decision will address Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits voting discrimination.
Currently, Republicans hold 20 of Florida's 28 congressional seats. The redistricting process could influence the balance of power in the U.S. House, potentially benefiting the Republican Party. In 2010, Florida voters passed a constitutional amendment to prevent gerrymandering, but the state Supreme Court upheld a map backed by DeSantis last year, which critics argue violates this amendment.
The special session is expected to face legal challenges, as redistricting efforts often do. Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez announced a select committee last August to examine the state's congressional map. The outcome of the session will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the 2026 midterm elections.