DeSantis Unveils New Florida Congressional Map Expected to Deliver Four Additional GOP Seats

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on April 27, 2026, released a proposed new congressional map that would give Republicans four additional seats in the state’s 28-district delegation ahead of the 2026 midterms.

The map, drawn during a special legislative session called by DeSantis, reflects Florida’s continued population growth and strong Republican voter advantage. DeSantis stated that previous maps improperly relied on race-based criteria, which he called unconstitutional. The new boundaries better align districts with current demographics and population shifts, he said.

National Redistricting Wave

Florida joins a growing list of states redrawing congressional maps mid-decade before the 2026 elections. Texas, California, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and Utah have already enacted or proposed new maps. Texas’s redraw is expected to add up to five Republican seats, while California’s Democratic-led changes could net Democrats five seats. Virginia’s recent voter-approved amendment temporarily allowed the Democrat-controlled legislature to redraw its map, though that effort faces ongoing court challenges. The moves reflect both parties’ aggressive efforts to secure advantages in the battle for House control.

The Florida proposal now goes to the Republican-controlled legislature for final approval. Democrats have criticized the effort as partisan gerrymandering.