Full Breakdown
Florida Supreme Court Allows GOP Redistricting Map for 2026 Midterms
6/12/2026, 5:25:18 AM
Background
The 2010 Fair Districts Amendment (FDA) bans partisan gerrymandering. After President Trump urged mid-decade redistricting, Gov. Ron DeSantis convened a special session; aide Jason Poreda drafted a map using partisan data, signed April 29, 2026.
Court Decision
On June 10, 2026 the Florida Supreme Court, 6-1, denied a temporary injunction, citing lack of jurisdiction while the First District Court of Appeal reviews the case. Justice Jorge Labarga dissented, urging “pass-through” jurisdiction given the upcoming election. The map stays for the Aug 18 primary and November vote.
Political Impact
The map makes 24 of 28 districts GOP-leaning, shifting the delegation from 20-8 to 24-4 and adding four Republican seats. 82 % of GOP voters stay in the same districts versus 41 % of Democrats. The new lines move Rep. Jared Moskowitz to the 25th and make the 9th and 14th districts more favorable to Donald Trump (58 % and 54 % in 2024).
Official Responses
The majority said elections will proceed under the enacted law. Justice Adam Tanenbaum said plaintiffs will have “their days in court” later. DeSantis posted that the ruling “assures the map will be in place for the 2026 election.” Attorney General James Uthmeier called it a “complete and total victory.” Plaintiffs argue the map breaches the FDA.
Criticism
Groups say the map violates the FDA and dilutes minority voting strength. Equal Ground’s Genesis Robinson called the decision “an assault on democracy.” Common Cause’s Amy Keith called the districts “a pretty clear partisan gerrymander.” The candidacy of Democrat Wasserman Schultz in a Black-majority seat has drawn criticism from Black candidates.
Legal Dispute
Republicans argue the FDA’s racial-protection clause is unconstitutional and seek to strike down the amendment. Plaintiffs say invalidating one provision does not void the amendment. The court has not ruled on the merits, leaving the FDA’s status unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Florida Supreme Court has REJECTED the challenge to the state’s redistricting plan and new map. This assures that the recently enacted map will be in place for the 2026 election,” — Ron DeSantis, Governor
- “COMPLETE AND TOTAL VICTORY.” — James Uthmeier, Attorney General
- “Let’s be clear, the Florida Supreme Court’s failure to stop this brazen partisan power grab is not only an assault on democracy, but an abdication of its duty to the people of Florida.” — Genesis Robinson, Equal Ground
- “a pretty clear partisan gerrymander,” — Amy Keith, Common Cause Florida
Next Steps
The lawsuit proceeds with expedited briefing before the Supreme Court. Plaintiffs plan to appeal any adverse ruling, potentially extending the fight into the 2028 cycle. Candidates must file by Aug 18, and the map will govern the 2026 elections unless a higher court intervenes.
