Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has pushed back the state’s redistricting special session to occur April 28 and May 1, moving it until after Virginia voters decide their own redistricting question on April 21.
The delay places Florida’s redistricting session behind a high-stakes vote in Virginia that both parties are watching closely, with control of the House of Representatives potentially hanging in the balance.
Next week, Virginians will vote on whether to temporarily return map-drawing authority to the Democratic-controlled legislature. The proposed map would reshape the state’s congressional delegation, shifting its current 6–5 Democratic edge to a 10–1 advantage.
DeSantis had initially called for a special session as early as next week to revisit Florida’s congressional lines but signaled flexibility as lawmakers continue to negotiate the state budget.
“It’s possible you could do a little tweak, but you can’t really push it very far,” DeSantis said at a press conference in Tallahassee. “You’ve got to get it done probably within the next couple weeks. That will happen one way or another.”
Florida’s constitution includes strict anti-gerrymandering provisions, which could add difficulties to reshaping the map.
State legislative leaders have so far taken a cautious stance regarding the redistricting efforts.
“As a reminder, Senators should be aware that in prior cycles, significant litigation has followed passage of new maps,” said State Sen. Ben Albritton (R-FL) in a memorandum.
“The Florida Supreme Court has previously limited the scope of legislative privilege when it comes to redistricting,” the state senator said. “Sitting legislators may be compelled to produce records or be subject to questioning under oath about conversations with colleagues, with legislative staff, or with outside parties who may attempt to persuade the Legislature to pass maps that favor or disfavor a political party or incumbent.”
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In the House, Speaker Rep. Daniel Perez (R-FL) indicated lawmakers are waiting on the governor’s proposal before taking further action.
“We look forward to seeing the governor’s proposed map,” Perez said in a statement to Politico. “The other issues mentioned in the proclamation will be evaluated once we have seen the draft legislation.”