DeSantis Calls Special Session for Congressional Redistricting in Florida

Thu Jan 08 2026 23:25:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Governor Ron DeSantis announces a special legislative session aimed at redrawing congressional districts in Florida, influenced by a pending U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced plans to call a special legislative session in April to redraw congressional districts in response to potential changes in federal voting laws. This comes as many states engage in mid-decade redistricting efforts, with DeSantis indicating that upcoming Supreme Court rulings could impact Florida's congressional landscape. Currently, Republicans hold 20 of the state's 28 congressional seats, and the newly drawn districts may alter this balance heading into the next election cycle.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis announced his intention on Wednesday to convene a special session in April, focusing on the redrawing of congressional districts in Florida. This action reflects a growing trend among states engaged in mid-decade redistricting.

Despite the beginning of Florida’s regular legislative session set for next week, DeSantis expressed his desire to wait for the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling regarding a pivotal aspect of the Voting Rights Act. The case, Louisiana v. Callais, may significantly influence voting rights and could affect at least a couple of districts in Florida.

DeSantis remarked, It’s not a matter of whether they will rule, but the extent of their decision. He emphasized his commitment to proactive governance in light of anticipated changes.

Currently, Republicans dominate Florida's congressional representation, holding 20 out of 28 seats. The prospects of newly strategized districts could significantly affect Donald Trump’s objectives to reshape congressional districts across Republican-led states, particularly in the upcoming midterm elections.

The ongoing nationwide redistricting initiative has led to Republicans anticipating gains of potentially nine more seats across states like Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio, with Democrats similarly eyeing six additional seats in California and Utah. However, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing litigation surrounding the redrawn districts in several states.

In 2010, Florida voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to combat gerrymandering, mandating the drawing of fair voting districts. Nonetheless, DeSantis’s congressional map was previously approved by the Florida Supreme Court despite critiques of its adherence to this amendment.

In the wake of these developments, Florida political leaders remain vigilant as they prepare for the special session and potential shifts in the state's congressional makeup.