DeSantis Calls Special Session for Redistricting Amid Supreme Court Ruling

Thu Jan 08 2026 23:57:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announces plans for a special legislative session in April to redraw congressional districts, influenced by an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act.

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida is set to convene a special session in April to redraw congressional districts in anticipation of a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the Voting Rights Act. With Republicans currently holding 20 of Florida's 28 congressional seats, the potential changes in district maps could impact the balance of power leading into future elections.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated on Wednesday that he plans to convene a special session in April for the Republican-led legislature to redraw congressional districts, joining a nationwide tug-of-war over redistricting that has seen many states making adjustments mid-decade.

DeSantis indicated that he intends to await a potential ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court concerning a significant provision of the Voting Rights Act. The outcome in Louisiana v. Callais may affect whether Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in voting, remains constitutional. DeSantis stated, at least one or two districts in Florida could be influenced by this highly anticipated decision.

I don't think it's a question of if they will rule. It’s a question of the ruling's extent, DeSantis remarked during a news briefing in Steinhatchee, Florida. So we are proactively addressing that situation.

Currently, Republicans occupy 20 out of 28 congressional seats in Florida. The impending redistricting, if skewed to favor the GOP, could significantly impact President Donald Trump’s strategy to shape congressional districts in other Republican-led states, potentially offering a chance to gain more seats in upcoming elections.

The nationwide trend involves a mid-decade redistricting battle that has resulted in additional potential seats for Republicans in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio, while Democrats aim for gains in California and Utah, leading to an upward score of three seats for Republicans overall. However, the validity of these new maps is under litigation in several states.

In 2010, over 60% of Florida voters ratified a constitutional amendment to prevent redistricting that unfairly benefits any political party, commonly referred to as gerrymandering. Despite this, the Florida Supreme Court upheld a congressional map last July that critics claimed violated the Fair Districts amendment. Subsequent to this ruling, Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez introduced a select committee in August to analyze the state’s congressional mapping.