Florida Supreme Court Allows GOP-Drafted Congressional Maps to Remain in Place
The state's highest court denied a voting-rights challenge to the new congressional districts, letting the maps drawn under Governor Ron DeSantis stand for the 2026 elections.
The Florida Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit filed by voting-rights groups that sought to block the use of congressional districts drawn by the state legislature for the 2026 midterm elections. The plaintiffs, including Equal Ground Florida, argued that the maps violate the state’s Fair Districts amendments, which are intended to prevent partisan gerrymandering. While the broader constitutional dispute over the districts will continue in lower courts, the Supreme Court’s decision leaves the maps in effect for now.
Justice Jorge Labarga was the sole dissenter, noting that the district court had again chosen to delay appellate review and that “the votes of even more Floridians are at stake.”
Under the new plan, 24 of Florida’s 28 congressional seats are expected to favor Republican candidates, though some districts may still see competitive races. The current House delegation comprises 20 Republicans and eight Democrats.
“For a second time in fewer than three years, in a substantively similar context, the district court has elected a path of delayed appellate review,” Labarga wrote.
“Only this time, the votes of even more Floridians are at stake.”
Genesis Robison, executive director of Equal Ground Florida, called the decision a “travesty.”
