Story perspectives

DeSantis Offers Jeffries Money, Pushes Controversial Redistricting

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Ron DeSantis offered to pay House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to campaign in Florida and stay at the mansion.
DeSantis called a special session to draw new congressional districts, prompting Jeffries to warn Democrats will target eight Republican incumbents if the maps proceed.
Florida Republican consultants said the plan risks violating the state constitution’s anti-gerrymandering ban, while House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell said any redrawing now would be illegal.

History

Historical Context

The 2019 Supreme Court’s 5-4 Rucho v. Common Cause ruling, authored by Justice Gorsuch, declared partisan gerrymandering a non-justiciable political question, moving oversight to state courts. Florida’s 2021 constitutional amendment now bars partisan bias, prompting Governor Ron DeSantis to invite House leader Hakeem Jeffries to a special session aimed at redrawing the state’s congressional map.

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Story summary

Governor Ron DeSantis offered to pay House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to campaign in Florida and stay at the mansion.
DeSantis called a special session to draw new congressional districts, prompting Jeffries to warn Democrats will target eight Republican incumbents if the maps proceed.
Florida Republican consultants said the plan risks violating the state constitution’s anti-gerrymandering ban, while House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell said any redrawing now would be illegal.

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