Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida proposed a redraw of the state’s congressional districts on Monday that could give Republicans as many as four new seats, an aggressive gambit that could also endanger some of the party’s incumbents should a blue wave emerge in the November midterms.
The map, which is likely to face legal hurdles, appears to eliminate two Democratic-held districts in South Florida, a third in the Tampa area and a fourth in the Orlando area. That would leave Democrats with perhaps only four of the state’s 28 congressional seats. There are currently seven Florida Democrats in Congress; an eighth, former Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, resigned last week after being charged with embezzlement.
Florida, which does not hold primary elections until August, is the last state aiming to redraw congressional maps ahead of the midterms. A Supreme Court decision expected soon on a key provision of the Voting Rights Act could provide opportunities for other states to do so, but with many holding primaries in the next month or two, time is running out.
Mr. DeSantis’s map was first reported by Fox News, which received it before the State Legislature did on Monday morning. Lawmakers are scheduled to meet in a special redistricting session starting Tuesday.
The short turnaround is likely to upset some state lawmakers, few of whom have expressed much interest in redistricting, as well as some members of the Florida congressional delegation, who will have to introduce themselves to new voters between now and the midterms. State lawmakers are not expected to propose any maps of their own, but rather to vote on Mr. DeSantis’s redraw as early as Wednesday. It is almost certain to pass, given Republican supermajorities in the State House and Senate.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
