Florida Governor DeSantis Plans Special Session for Congressional Redistricting

Thu Jan 08 2026 23:58:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announces a special session in April to redraw congressional districts amid an ongoing redistricting battle in several states, anticipating a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that may impact several districts.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced plans for a special legislative session in April to redraw the state's congressional districts, influenced by a potential U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act. With the aim of securing Republican advantages ahead of the 2026 elections, DeSantis emphasizes the importance of addressing any implications from the high court's decision. This initiative joins a broader, contentious landscape of mid-decade redistricting occurring across the United States.

ORLANDO, Fla. (RTW News) — Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has announced the intention to convene a special session in April for the state legislature to redraw congressional districts. This action aligns Florida with a nationwide trend where various states are engaging in redistricting initiatives mid-decade.

The special session is strategically timed, awaiting a significant ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the Voting Rights Act. The case, Louisiana v. Callais, could impact the constitutionality of Section 2, which prohibits discrimination in voting. DeSantis indicated that at least one or two districts in Florida might be influenced by the upcoming ruling.

“It’s a matter of when the ruling will come, not if. We need to be prepared,” DeSantis stated during a press briefing in Steinhatchee, Florida.

At present, Republicans hold 20 of the 28 congressional seats in Florida. The proposed redistricting could significantly enhance Republican chances in the midterm elections, potentially leading to a realignment of power in the closely divided U.S. House.

The ongoing national redistricting battle has thus far yielded competitive advantages for Republicans, with potential gains in states like Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio, while Democrats also anticipate opportunities in California and Utah.

In Florida, a constitutional amendment passed by over 60% of voters in 2010 is intended to prevent partisan gerrymandering. However, the state Supreme Court upheld a contentious congressional map last July, giving rise to renewed discussions about the fairness of district boundaries. Following this, Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez initiated a committee to review the congressional mapping.

Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops.