Story perspectives

DeSantis Invites Jeffries as GOP Plans Add 3-5 Seats

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Gov. Ron DeSantis invited House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to Florida, offering travel, a stay at the governor’s mansion, and a fishing outing.
Florida lawmakers will meet Tuesday to consider a mid-decade redrawing of the state’s U.S. House districts, a move President Donald Trump urges after Virginia’s referendum.
Republicans, holding a 20-8 delegation advantage, could add three to five Republican-leaning districts under a new map, according to strategist Ford O'Connell.

History

Historical Context

In 2003, a Republican-led Texas Legislature, backed by Governor George W. Bush and House Majority Whip Tom DeLay, bypassed the 1991 map and added three GOP seats, shifting the U.S. House delegation from 17 to 20 Republicans. The mid-decade redistricting sparked Democratic walkouts, a 2006 Supreme Court case, and now guides Florida’s Republican-controlled legislature under strategist Ford O’Connell.

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Story summary

Gov. Ron DeSantis invited House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to Florida, offering travel, a stay at the governor’s mansion, and a fishing outing.
Florida lawmakers will meet Tuesday to consider a mid-decade redrawing of the state’s U.S. House districts, a move President Donald Trump urges after Virginia’s referendum.
Republicans, holding a 20-8 delegation advantage, could add three to five Republican-leaning districts under a new map, according to strategist Ford O'Connell.

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