Florida lawmakers approve map aiding GOP in midterm elections

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida lawmakers have approved a new Congressional map that could position Republicans to win four additional U.S. House seats in the midterm elections in November. The 21 to 17 vote for final passage in the Senate came just hours after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act in a decision on a Louisiana congressional district. Both developments will assist President Trump's national push to help the GOP in the midterm elections.

With the Florida redistricting, the GOP likely gains an advantage of two or three new seats as Republican-led states have followed Trump's call and Democratic-led states have countered it. However, control of the House will depend on the votes in November. Democrats have said the redraw in Florida makes several GOP seats more competitive, potentially leading to smaller seat gains if strong Democratic performances seen in recent special elections continue.

The bill now goes for expected signing by Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has argued that the state's rapid population growth requires redistricting. He predicted that the U.S. Supreme Court would weaken the Voting Rights Act in a way that would support redistricting in Florida. After the ruling, DeSantis posted on X that it "invalidates" a Florida constitutional ban on districts that deny "the equal opportunity of racial or language minorities to participate in the political process."

Democrats have called the redraw politically motivated, claiming it violates a constitutional amendment passed by Florida voters in 2010 that protects minority access districts and bans politically motivated gerrymandering. Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried stated the party will file lawsuits against the map, asserting that "democracy has fallen here in our state."

Florida's new map may be locked in for the midterms, given court precedents against overturning election laws close to an election. Michael Morley, who directs the Election Law Center at Florida State University, emphasized the need for clarity on district boundaries well in advance of both the primary and general elections.

President Trump initiated a mid-decade redistricting race to secure more seats by urging Republican-led states to redraw their maps before the midterm elections. Florida's move could give Republicans the edge again, as Republican-led states have redistricting seats that could provide their party an advantage in about 13 seats, while Democrats have gained an edge in about 10 seats.

Power Read: The approval of Florida's new Congressional map significantly enhances the Republican Party's position ahead of the midterm elections, potentially allowing them to flip four additional House seats. This strategic move follows a Supreme Court ruling that weakens protections for minority voting rights, enabling the GOP to redraw districts more favorably. As a result, Republicans could solidify their control of the House, which is crucial for advancing Trump's agenda and staving off Democratic-led investigations.

What to watch: The expected signing of the redistricting bill by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the subsequent legal challenges from the Democratic Party.