DeSantis Pushes for Mid-Decade Redistricting in Florida Amidst Supreme Court Uncertainty
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is moving forward with plans to redraw the state’s congressional districts during a special legislative session beginning April 20, despite uncertainty surrounding a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision that could impact the process. Unlike other states pursuing redistricting following calls from former President Trump, DeSantis maintains the effort isn’t driven by partisan goals, but by potential changes stemming from the high court’s review of the Voting Rights Act (VRA).
The Supreme Court’s Role and Potential Delays
The crux of the matter lies with the case Louisiana v. Callais, which challenges Section 2 of the VRA. This section prohibits voting practices that discriminate based on race. DeSantis believes a ruling in favor of Louisiana could necessitate a redrawing of Florida’s districts. However, legal experts suggest the Supreme Court may delay a decision until after the 2026 midterm elections to avoid influencing the current electoral cycle.
“Now that primaries are underway in all of these cases, I think the court is more likely to wait until the end of the term to release this decision, so that the decision cannot affect districts for the 2026 midterm elections, that the court’s decision is only post-2026, so 2028 and beyond,” said Sarah Isgur, editor of SCOTUSblog, speaking on Sirius/XM on February 20 [1].
Justin Levitt, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University, echoed this sentiment, stating the court might only issue a ruling if the case proves to be “not a big deal.” [1]
Navigating the Fair District Amendments
DeSantis has publicly stated he doesn’t intend to use the redistricting process to engineer more Republican seats, acknowledging the constraints imposed by Florida’s Fair District Amendments. These amendments, adopted by voters in 2010, prohibit drawing districts to favor or disfavor a political party or incumbent. [2]
However, observers believe the Legislature may leverage a recent Florida Supreme Court decision regarding the state’s 5th Congressional District to justify redrawing some districts. The court’s ruling in Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute vs. Secretary, Florida Department of State hinted at potential challenges to existing district layouts. [1]
Potential for Partisan Advantage and Internal Divisions
Despite the governor’s assurances, many anticipate the redrawn maps will ultimately benefit Republicans. Data analyst Matt Isbell suggests lawmakers might focus on reconfiguring a few districts, potentially including the irregularly shaped 20th Congressional District in South Florida, to achieve a broader partisan effect. [1]
Internal divisions within the Florida Legislature could likewise complicate the process. The House and Senate have clashed on policy priorities and a similar impasse in 2015 led the Florida Supreme Court to draw the congressional and state Senate districts. [1]
Supreme Court Rejection of Legal Challenge
On February 27, 2026, the Florida Supreme Court rejected a petition to block DeSantis’ move to redraw the state’s congressional districts, clearing a path for the special session. [1]
“What I think the Legislature and DeSantis can rely on is they’ll argue that based on the Florida Supreme Court’s decision about the 5th Congressional District last year… the Legislature could say, ‘Well, we are going to go ahead and… reconfigure some of these districts,” said Matt Isbell. [1]
Bob Jarvis, a professor of constitutional law at Nova Southeastern University, predicts the Legislature will redraw the maps to favor Republicans, attributing the changes to the necessitate to “get ahead of the curve” while awaiting the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision. [1]