Florida redistricting battle could cut Democratic representation in half

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WINK)—Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called lawmakers to Tallahassee to pass a new congressional map.

The push starts at the top with President Donald Trump, who encouraged Republican states across the country to create more GOP seats, including here in Florida. This comes as a broader redistricting battle is playing out across the country.

Republican-led states like Texas are pushing maps to gain seats, and Democrats in states like Virginia and California are trying to do the same. If state lawmakers pass this map and the governor's prediction comes true, four of Florida's Democratic-held seats could flip Republican.

That would potentially cut Democrats' representation in half. The change would affect areas such as Tampa Bay, Central Florida, and South Florida.

Democrats say the map could violate state law and weaken minority representation, and they're preparing to challenge it in court. During a House committee hearing, almost everyone who spoke was against redistricting the state.

"This partisan power grab will further disenfranchise your constituents," a representative from the Florida AFL-CIO said.

"We represent Republicans. They like their congresspeople, they like their districts, and they do not understand the need for these changes to be made," the representative said. "This is not how it's done, it really isn't. The data, the information is really a testament to democracy, and that's not what we're seeing today."

But Republican lawmakers, like Rep. Adam Botana from Bonita Springs, say the new map better represents Florida's population. They argue the map shows growth rather than focusing on race.