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Members of Congress react to special session on redistricting

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Florida’s members of Congress are reacting to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ announcement Wednesday that the state will hold a special legislative session on congressional redistricting this spring.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a special legislative session in April on congressional redistricting.

  • In the U.S. House, Florida Republicans currently hold 20 seats. Florida Democrats hold eight seats. 

  • States like Texas and California have recently redrawn their congressional district lines. 


President Donald Trump has encouraged Republican-led states to pursue mid-decade redistricting. It comes as the battle for power in the U.S. House between Republicans and Democrats in this year’s upcoming midterm elections inches closer. In response, Democrat-led states are also acting, like California whose voters have recently approved new maps. 

In the U.S. House, Florida Republicans hold 20 seats, while Florida Democrats hold eight seats. Florida’s Democrats are blasting DeSantis’ plans, arguing the state’s constitution prohibits partisan gerrymandering. 

“Cheaters got to cheat. We know we have the Fair Districts Amendments that ban partisan gerrymandering, and that’s exactly what the governor is trying to do,” said Rep. Darren Soto.

“It has nothing to do with making sure that there’s good representation up in Washington, D.C. This is purely a political move to protect the president of the United States and his agenda. And, so what Ron DeSantis is doing is illegal,” said Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried.

No potential map drafts have been released yet. Here’s what some Florida Republicans had to say when asked about the plans for a special session: 

“I know what I can control and what I can’t control. Whatever they choose to do in Tallahassee, I’ll be OK with. I feel very comfortable running for reelection. I’m excited to run for reelection,” said Rep. Mike Haridopolos.

“I intend to run for reelection. We’ll see what happens. We obviously have legal maps in Florida right now. If the Florida House and the Florida Senate and the governor want to change those maps in line with the Florida Constitution, we’ll deal with whatever happens,” said Rep. Randy Fine. 

Currently, Florida has roughly 1.4 million more registered Republicans than Democrats. 

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Corina Cappabianca, Carl Brewer

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