The Facts
- Florida's GOP-led legislature has passed a controversial congressional map introduced by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who vetoed a map the legislature had previously considered. It will take effect after DeSantis' signature.
- The map creates 20 GOP-leaning and 8 Democratic-leaning seats – compared to the 16 to 11 current configuration - while dismantling two predominantly Black districts around Jacksonville and Orlando.
- Legislators had originally argued DeSantis' map violated state constitutional amendments related to redistricting because it could reduce minority voting power, but they ultimately relented after he called a special legislative session to consider his map.
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The Spin
Democratic narrative
Florida Republicans continue to wear their racism on their sleeves. This map strips Black citizens of their political autonomy, and limits opportunities for Black politicians.
Republican narrative
The vetoed maps were a ridiculous attempt at racial gerrymandering. Florida has done a great job to wipe out the Democrats' unfair advantage by eliminating constitutional infirmities.
Cynical narrative
Both Democrats and Republicans gerrymander massively, making American democracy far from fair. Election laws should change.
