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Republicans should think twice before redrawing Florida's congressional maps
Let's hope they shave the margins too thin, and blue will slip in!!
https://www.tampabay.com/viewpoints/2026/03/31/republicans-should-think-twice-before-redrawing-floridas-congressional-maps-column/
On Tuesday, a Democrat flipped a state House seat in a district that President Donald Trump won in 2024 by 11 points. That result shouldn’t be dismissed as an anomaly. It was a bad night for Republicans, but it’s also a reminder that voter loyalty isn’t a guarantee and coalitions aren’t permanent.
That’s why Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to redraw Florida’s congressional maps is a risky play. Starting April 20, lawmakers are scheduled to take up redistricting in a special session. Redistricting usually takes place once every 10 years, based on census data. An effort to challenge DeSantis’ call to revisit the maps was struck down by the Florida Supreme Court.
Rep. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, told Politico, “I think the Legislature needs to be very cognizant of the fact that if they get too aggressive … you could put incumbent members at risk.” Districts that were won by eight or nine points could see their margins cut in half, he said, putting them within reach of Democrats.
Former speaker of the Florida House, Republican Rep. Daniel Webster urged caution, telling Punchbowl, “Don’t do it. I’ve said it from the beginning. I’ve been around enough reapportionments to know it’s a slippery slope.”
That’s why Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to redraw Florida’s congressional maps is a risky play. Starting April 20, lawmakers are scheduled to take up redistricting in a special session. Redistricting usually takes place once every 10 years, based on census data. An effort to challenge DeSantis’ call to revisit the maps was struck down by the Florida Supreme Court.
Rep. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, told Politico, “I think the Legislature needs to be very cognizant of the fact that if they get too aggressive … you could put incumbent members at risk.” Districts that were won by eight or nine points could see their margins cut in half, he said, putting them within reach of Democrats.
Former speaker of the Florida House, Republican Rep. Daniel Webster urged caution, telling Punchbowl, “Don’t do it. I’ve said it from the beginning. I’ve been around enough reapportionments to know it’s a slippery slope.”