Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a new congressional map this week that could give Republicans four additional seats in the state. The proposal, currently under consideration during a special legislative session that began Tuesday, would need approval from the Republican-led Florida legislature before DeSantis signs it into law for the 2026 midterm elections.
Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., who has been mentioned as a potential successor to DeSantis, publicly endorsed the governor's effort. "Governor DeSantis is doing the right thing," Donalds told Fox News Digital. "I fully support what he's doing." The congressman dismissed Democratic criticism of the redistricting push.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic leaders have criticized Florida's redistricting efforts and warned that such strategies could backfire on Republicans. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., argued that DeSantis' map could put Republican seats at risk in future elections. California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed hope that Florida's effort would signal the end of a nationwide push for partisan advantages in redrawn congressional boundaries.
"He's a fake tough guy," Donalds said of Jeffries when asked about the criticism. "I'm not listening to Gavin. He's a terrible governor, worst in the country."
Jeffries and DeSantis have traded multiple jabs over redistricting in recent weeks. The conflict began with Jeffries' "F around and find out" warning directed at DeSantis, prompting the governor to respond by offering to pay for Jeffries' trip to Florida.
What the Right Is Saying
Donalds argued that Democrats have pursued similar map-drawing strategies when they control state legislatures. He pointed to New York as an example, where a Democratic-drawn congressional map was later struck down by the state's highest court.
"Democrats have been doing this," Donalds said. "They've been doing it for a long time. They tried to write four Republican members out of New York, and the only thing that stopped them was their court of appeals."
Following a push led by President Donald Trump, multiple states have advanced redistricting efforts ahead of upcoming elections.
What the Numbers Show
Republicans expect to add up to nine House seats through redistricting in Ohio, North Carolina, Missouri, and Texas. Democrats aim to add nine seats in California, Virginia, and Utah.
Several states including California, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, Ohio, and Virginia have already adopted new congressional maps redrawing districts ahead of the 2030 census. Last week, a congressional redistricting referendum spearheaded by Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger passed in Virginia, handing Democrats a key advantage there.
Both parties are engaged in a nationwide gerrymandering battle as they vie for control of the House of Representatives.
The Bottom Line
Florida's new map represents one front in an ongoing national struggle over congressional district boundaries that will shape electoral outcomes for years. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the House, making every seat critical heading into the 2026 midterms.
The Florida legislature is expected to vote on the proposed map during the current special session. If approved and signed by DeSantis, the new districts would take effect for the 2026 elections. Political observers will be watching closely to see whether other states follow Florida's approach or heed Democratic warnings about overreaching in redistricting efforts.