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Florida GOP Calls Special Session to Redraw U.S. House Map at DeSantis’ Urging

Democrats vow court action as the state’s constitution bans maps drawn with partisan intent.

Overview

  • Lawmakers plan to return to Tallahassee next week expecting a governor-drafted proposal, though no maps have been released and normal public hearings have not begun.
  • A lawsuit led by Democratic attorney Marc Elias argues the governor exceeded his authority by convening and steering the session on congressional lines.
  • Eric Holder and voting-rights groups are mobilizing protests and preparing legal challenges, warning the plan could add up to five Republican seats.
  • Some Republicans caution the rewrite could backfire by thinning GOP votes in Miami and Tampa, which could endanger Reps. Carlos Gimenez, Maria Salazar, Laurel Lee, and Anna Paulina Luna.
  • The fight is the latest front in a national mid-decade push encouraged by President Trump, with Florida seen as a final major test that could face swift lawsuits and uncertain timing.