Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to Initiate Redistricting Special Session

Fri Jan 09 2026 00:07:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a move that intensifies the ongoing redistricting battles across the nation, Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis announced plans for a special legislative session in April to redraw congressional districts, pending a Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis plans to hold a special session in April for the Republican-controlled legislature to redraw congressional districts, anticipating changes based on a forthcoming U.S. Supreme Court decision. The current political landscape shows that Republicans hold the majority of seats, and redistricting could significantly influence electoral outcomes in the coming midterm elections.

ORLANDO, Fla. (OnPoint) — In a significant political maneuver, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Wednesday his intent to convene a special session in April for the state’s Republican-led legislature to redraw congressional districts. This decision comes amid an ongoing mid-decade redistricting battle across various states.

Although Florida's legislative session is set to commence next week, DeSantis stated he aims to wait for a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court regarding a critical provision of the Voting Rights Act. The case in question, Louisiana v. Callais, may influence the constitutionality of Section 2 of the Act, which prohibits discriminatory practices in voting systems. DeSantis indicated that the Supreme Court’s ruling could impact at least one or two districts within Florida.

It’s not a matter of if there will be a ruling, but rather what it will entail, DeSantis commented during a news conference in Steinhatchee, Florida. We’re preparing accordingly. Currently, 20 of Florida's 28 congressional seats are held by Republicans, and a redraw could substantially influence the political landscape, particularly with the nearing midterm elections.

The unfolding situation in Florida reflects a larger trend where states are actively engaging in redistricting practices mid-decade, which could lead to a substantial shift in congressional seat distributions nationwide. In states like Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio, Republicans are optimistic about gaining additional seats through redistricting, while Democrats anticipate making gains in California and Utah, though these alterations are expected to face legal challenges.

Furthermore, in 2010, a constitutional amendment was supported by over 60% of Florida voters prohibiting district maps that favor specific parties—a process criticized as gerrymandering. Despite this, the Florida Supreme Court upheld a 2022 congressional map seen as biased by many critics.

As preparations align for the special session, the ripple effects of redistricting will be closely monitored as both state and national political ramifications become clear.