Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said he intends to call a special legislative session in the spring to redraw the state's congressional map, framing the move as a necessary response to an impending U.S. Supreme Court decision.
In an exclusive interview with Floridian publisher Javier Manjarres, DeSantis said the timing hinges on a high-court ruling expected after arguments in October that could affect Florida's current lines.
"Yeah, yeah, so we're going to redistrict," DeSantis said, according to The Floridian on Monday. "The issue is that there is a Supreme Court decision that we are waiting on — the argument in October about Section 2 of the VRA [Voting Rights Act] that impacts Florida's maps, so we're going to do it next spring."
DeSantis added he plans to coordinate with Florida Senate President Ben Albritton on the schedule, with the governor signaling a likely March-to-May window.
"I am going to talk to Sen. Albritton about when it makes sense to do it, but that will be done," he said, adding, "I think we are going to be required to do it because of this court decision."
The Washington Examiner reported DeSantis' comments underscore how Florida is poised to join a growing national push for mid-decade redistricting, as both parties maneuver ahead of the high-stakes 2026 midterms.
Republicans argue the fight is already underway in deep-blue states where maps have long been engineered to maximize Democrat seats, and they say GOP-led states cannot afford to sit on the sidelines.
Florida's House leadership has already begun laying the groundwork.
House Speaker Daniel Perez announced in September the creation of a Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting. The panel, chaired by Rep. Mike Redondo, includes a Republican majority along with three Democrats, and is scheduled to hold its first meeting Dec. 4, according to The Floridian.
WFSU noted that mid-decade redistricting is unusual, typically occurring after the census once a decade, but described a national "arms race" as states test the limits of redistricting power before 2026.
Evan Power, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, told the outlet he believes Florida could net additional seats if lines are updated, estimating "three to five" as a "reasonable expectation."
Democrats and left-leaning activist groups are already gearing up to fight.
WFSU reported Florida House Democrat Leader Fentrice Driskell condemned the effort as partisan and argued it could clash with the state's Fair Districts amendment, which voters adopted in 2010.
Groups including the ACLU of Florida and the Southern Poverty Law Center have organized protests at the state Capitol, the station said.
Republicans counter that fairness cuts both ways, and that Florida should not be forced to compete on an uneven playing field while blue states pursue aggressive mapmaking.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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