Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Calls Special Session for Congressional Redistricting

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced plans to convene a special legislative session in late April 2026 to redraw the state's congressional districts. This decision comes as part of a broader Republican strategy to adjust electoral maps ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. DeSantis stated that the redistricting is necessary due to significant population changes in Florida over the past few years and the need for equitable representation. He emphasized the importance of aligning the state's congressional map with an anticipated U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding the Voting Rights Act, particularly concerning racial gerrymandering.

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The special session is strategically timed to follow a Supreme Court decision in the case of Louisiana v. Callais, which could impact how race is considered in redistricting. DeSantis expressed confidence that the ruling would affect at least one or two districts in Florida, suggesting that current maps may not comply with new legal standards. Florida's congressional delegation currently consists of 20 Republicans and 8 Democrats, and the potential for redistricting could allow Republicans to gain additional seats, further solidifying their majority.

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The announcement has created tension between DeSantis and the Florida House, which prefers to address redistricting during the regular legislative session beginning January 13, 2026. House Speaker Daniel Perez has criticized the delay, arguing that it is irresponsible given the proximity of the 2026 elections. Despite this, Senate President Ben Albritton has indicated support for the special session, acknowledging the complexities involved in creating a new map that adheres to Florida's constitutional amendments prohibiting partisan gerrymandering.

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Critics of the redistricting effort have raised concerns about the potential for partisan gerrymandering, which is prohibited under Florida's Fair Districts amendments passed by voters in 2010. The Florida Supreme Court previously upheld a congressional map that some argued violated these amendments. Observers are wary of the legal challenges that could arise from any new maps drawn during the special session, particularly given the heightened scrutiny surrounding redistricting efforts nationwide.

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• “We need to get apportioned properly and people deserve equal representation,” he added.” — Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida

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• “I have a very high degree of confidence that at least one or two of those districts on our current map are going to be implicated by this Supreme Court decision,” — Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida

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• “Albritton recently cautioned lawmakers that any new map must withstand intense judicial scrutiny and avoid the pitfalls of “partisan gerrymandering” prohibited by Florida’s Fair Districts amendments.” — Ben Albritton, Senate President

DeSantis calls special session to redraw Florida’s congressional map for 2026

As the special session approaches, lawmakers will need to navigate the complexities of redistricting while adhering to legal standards. The outcome of the Supreme Court ruling will play a crucial role in shaping the new congressional map, which could significantly impact the political landscape in Florida and the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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