DeSantis Says Redistricting Session Will Proceed Despite Delay Reports
Florida’s governor maintains redistricting session will happen despite reports of potential delays tied to Virginia’s upcoming referendum.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Governor Ron DeSantis stated Tuesday that Florida’s special legislative session on congressional redistricting will proceed, though it may not start as initially planned on Monday.
The governor made these remarks during a press conference at the state capital after Punchbowl News reported that DeSantis was considering postponing the session until after Virginia’s referendum on a proposed congressional redistricting plan next Tuesday, April 21.
Reporter Ally Mutnick noted, “If FL waits, they can make sure their map better offsets Dem gains.”
Supreme Court Case Remains Pending
DeSantis had asserted for months that Florida would conduct a rare mid-decade redistricting due to a likely ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. However, the Court has not yet ruled in the Louisiana v. Calais case and isn’t expected to do so before Monday.
The possibility of delaying or abandoning the congressional redistricting effort has gained momentum recently. Several Florida GOP congressional members have expressed concern about new district lines that could affect their chances for re-election in November.
Governor Dismisses Virginia Connection
During the news conference, where DeSantis signed legislation designating Tallahassee’s airport as Bobby Bowden Tallahassee International Airport, the governor reiterated his commitment to the redistricting process.
“They’re going to have to consider maps,” DeSantis said of the Legislature. “I can pass judgement on it. Obviously, we worked on that last time to do it again. That will be done one way or another.”
DeSantis dismissed suggestions that the timing would be influenced by Virginia’s upcoming referendum. “I saw some reports that somehow Virginia’s doing something — I have no idea where that came,” he said, according to the Florida Phoenix.
Political Implications
The potential delay comes as Republican congressional members in Florida have grown increasingly uncomfortable with the prospect of redistricting that could alter their electoral prospects just months before the November elections.
The special session represents an unusual mid-decade redistricting effort that DeSantis has championed as necessary preparation for expected federal court rulings on voting rights legislation.
State Senator Corey Simon was present at Tuesday’s press conference, which focused primarily on the airport naming legislation honoring the late Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden.
