Story perspectives

DeSantis Pushes 24-4 Congressional Map, Democrats Sue Over Minority Dilution

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature approved a congressional map shifting seats from 20-8 to 24-4.
The map was first shown to Fox News before Florida lawmakers saw it, prompting criticism.
Attorney General James Uthmeier and DeSantis’ counsel said the Fair Districts amendment no longer applies after a Supreme Court ruling.
Democratic leaders and voting-rights groups announced lawsuits alleging map dilutes minority voting power and breaches state constitution.

History

Historical Context

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act on August 6 1965, forcing 13 Southern states—including Alabama—to seek federal preclearance, which the Justice Department says blocked more than 200 discriminatory maps and kept about 30 % minority voting strength. Today, Florida’s DeSantis-backed legislature reshaped its congressional map from 20-8 to 24-4, prompting lawsuits by the ACLU and NAACP.

1 of 2

Story summary

Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature approved a congressional map shifting seats from 20-8 to 24-4.
The map was first shown to Fox News before Florida lawmakers saw it, prompting criticism.
Attorney General James Uthmeier and DeSantis’ counsel said the Fair Districts amendment no longer applies after a Supreme Court ruling.
Democratic leaders and voting-rights groups announced lawsuits alleging map dilutes minority voting power and breaches state constitution.

1 / 2