Story perspectives

DeSantis Unveils Map Cutting Dem Seats, Sparks Lawsuit

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Ron DeSantis released the congressional map to Fox News before legislators saw it, saying it fixes a 2020 census shortfall and ends race-based districting.
The plan cuts Democratic seats from eight to four, adding four Republican-leaning seats in Tampa, Orlando and South Florida.
A University of Florida poll shows 65% oppose mid-decade redistricting, prompting Democrats to sue over the map’s alleged violation of the 2010 Fair District Amendments.

History

Historical Context

In 1993 the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in Shaw v. Reno, written by Justice O’Connor, struck down North Carolina’s oddly shaped 12th district as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, prompting DOJ review of state maps. Florida’s 2010 Fair District Amendments barred race-based lines, yet Governor DeSantis now circulates a 2024 map that cuts Democratic seats using the 2020 census shortfall, reviving the Shaw controversy.

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Story summary

Governor Ron DeSantis released the congressional map to Fox News before legislators saw it, saying it fixes a 2020 census shortfall and ends race-based districting.
The plan cuts Democratic seats from eight to four, adding four Republican-leaning seats in Tampa, Orlando and South Florida.
A University of Florida poll shows 65% oppose mid-decade redistricting, prompting Democrats to sue over the map’s alleged violation of the 2010 Fair District Amendments.

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