The state of Florida is redesigning its electoral districts before the US midterm elections in November.
April 30, 2026, 06:10April 30, 2026, 06:10
In the third largest state by population, both chambers voted for a new division of the 28 electoral districts, as the Florida House of Representatives announced. According to media reports, the Republicans have the prospect of another four seats in the US House of Representatives in Washington.
The new design still has to be approved by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, but this is considered a formality – he himself introduced the proposal on Monday. It is possible that the new cut will still be challenged in court. The Florida Constitution expressly prohibits changing electoral districts to the advantage or disadvantage of parties or officials.
Governor Ron DeSantis himself initiated the redistricting.Image: keystone
Florida Democratic leader Nikki Fried sharply criticized the law and the Republicans.
“They all know it was wrong, unconstitutional, illegal and a violation of their oath of office.”
Other states are also redrawing borders
The Republicans’ move is part of a US-wide fight for better chances in the midterm elections in November, in which Republicans want to defend their thin majority in the US Congress. Just a week ago, the Democrats in Virginia redrew their electoral districts via a referendum, which could also give them four seats. The states of Texas and California had also previously redistricted their districts.
The redrawing of electoral districts, known as gerrymandering, has a centuries-old tradition in the USA. The background is that after the census, which is collected every ten years, the constituencies have to be redesigned so that they each contain a similar number of residents. DeSantis also used this argument to justify the measure in Florida.
In practice, however, parties often use the process to gain advantages. In this way, areas from a part of the constituency with a clear majority can be moved to another constituency where the race is tighter. (sda/dpa)