The high-stakes redistricting battle hits a new phase today (April 28) when a special session in Florida kicks off to address whether to redraw its districts. The effort could be the GOP’s best remaining chance to gain ground after Virginia voters approved a House map favoring Democrats last week. Though the referendum faces legal hurdles and could be revoked, the GOP is ostensibly taking no chances. The odds are against them, however; for Gov. Ron DeSantis, the bid is likely about more than just partisan control of the House.
Crunch Time for DeSantis
Florida’s current congressional maps were mostly drawn by DeSantis in 2022 and approved by GOP lawmakers, giving their party a 20-8 advantage. The new redistricting effort could net the party four seats, helping to increase the chances that the GOP doesn’t lose its slim majority in the House of Representatives. But DeSantis’ proposed map is almost certain to face court challenges. The state’s constitution prohibits creating congressional seats “with the intent to favor or disfavor a political party or incumbent.” DeSantis, however, insists the redraw is necessary because of a census undercount. “Florida has experienced 10 years’ worth of population growth in like three [years],” he told the Florida Phoenix. “Our districts are not fairly apportioned.”
Much of DeSantis’ plan seems to rely on a clock-management strategy, especially the Purcell principle, named after a 2006 Supreme Court case. It limits lower courts from overturning election laws too close to an election. So any delays could work in his favor, which could partly explain why he has kept much of his plan under wraps and didn’t release the new map until April 27. Legislators usually draw them, but instead, the governor’s employees drafted them, keeping the details secret and out of the public eye for as long as possible.
The late redraw could bring plenty of other complications. “Changing the map changes the race,” said Dan Eberhart, a Florida-based GOP donor, speaking to Fox News Digital. “These candidates are going to have to call an audible really soon – changing districts and probably new competitors.” The filing deadline for congressional candidates has already been moved to June.
Even if the effort is a success, there’s a chance that surrounding GOP-held seats could become more vulnerable as they get more Democratic voters. This factor has caused a rift between Florida Republicans concerned about diluting their party’s seats and possibly losing incumbents in the fall.
Congressional maps are usually drawn every ten years, following a census. Florida would be the eighth state to redraw districts ahead of the 2026 midterms. Many national Republicans have called it the last stand in President Donald Trump’s redistricting effort, which started with the GOP in Texas back in 2025. Democrats countered with a referendum in California, allowing the state to redraw its congressional map, which is expected to add five blue-leaning districts. Republicans then made small gains with redraws in Missouri, Ohio, and North Carolina, but now, with the referendum in Virginia, Democrats have basically pulled even, provided the state Supreme Court doesn’t repeal the map.
Still, the fight may not end there. A pending US Supreme Court case could strike down a key Voting Rights Act provision on racial gerrymandering, possibly opening the door for more states to redraw before November. If overturned, it could give DeSantis further justification to alter Florida’s map. And his success could redraw more than just districts.
On the Horizon
DeSantis is only 47, with his second term ending in January, so he might be trying to bolster his resume before the clock runs out. A successful redraw could increase his relevance with the party, improve his standing with Trump, and position him for whatever comes after Tallahassee. Some say DeSantis is interested in working in the current administration.
Axios recently spoke to several sources who said DeSantis and the president had lunch at Trump National Doral Golf in Miami about a week ago and discussed the governor’s future. One source said DeSantis was “begging” Trump to be AG; another insisted the governor is “100% not interested in the AG job” but would be interested in “War secretary or Supreme Court, which would be his dream job.”
Appearing on Sean Hannity’s podcast last month, DeSantis did not rule out running for president a second time, perhaps in 2028. Of course, Vice President JD Vance is the favorite to succeed Trump at the moment, but a lot can change in the months ahead. No matter what DeSantis’ ambitions are, the redistricting effort will likely shape where he goes next.
