Court Reinstates Florida Congressional Map Eliminating Black District
ForbesSep 09, 2022
The Facts
On Fri., a Florida appeals court reinstated the congressional map Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law last month, clearing the way for the contentious new district boundaries to take effect for now.
Earlier this month, Judge J. Layne Smith, a DeSantis appointee to the 2nd Circuit Court of FL, said he had intended to issue an order granting an injunction that would prevent a new congressional map championed by the governor from taking effect. Smith said that the map was likely unconstitutional as it diminished African American representation.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
This map shamefully strips African American voters of fair representation, as well as limits opportunities for African American politicians. Florida Republicans are furthering racist agendas through blatant gerrymandering.
Republican narrative
DeSantis's congressional map follows the state's Fair Districts criteria, federal law, and the US Constitution. The ruling against it was not made on any legitimate legal grounds, and, thankfully, Florida's congressional map has been upheld on appeal.
Cynical narrative
Both Democrats and Republicans rely on gerrymandering to win, making American democracy far from fair. Election laws need to change.
