URGENT UPDATE: Two South Florida voters are challenging Governor Ron DeSantis in a pivotal case that could reshape Florida’s political landscape. They have filed a petition with the Florida Supreme Court to determine if DeSantis overstepped his authority by calling for mid-decade congressional redistricting.
The petitioners, Elizabeth Pines from Miami-Dade County and Eugene Pettis from Broward County, argue that DeSantis’ announcement on January 7 for a special legislative session scheduled for the week of April 20 to redraw congressional districts infringes upon the Legislature’s powers. They assert that the proclamation declares 2026 as the year for legislative apportionment, raising serious constitutional questions.
According to the petition, DeSantis’ directive to Secretary of State Cord Byrd to delay candidate qualifying from April 20 to June 8-12 only exacerbates the situation. “The Governor’s and Secretary’s unilateral attempt to bind the Legislature into undergoing legally unnecessary redistricting violates Florida’s separation of powers,” the petition states.
If the court rules that DeSantis exceeded his authority, the petitioners seek to render his proclamation and directive non-binding unless the Legislature enacts a valid reapportionment plan. The legal representation for Pines and Pettis includes attorney Frederick Wermuth from Orlando and Christina Ford from the Washington, D.C.-based Elias Law Group LLP, known for its involvement in Democratic campaigns and voting rights cases.
This urgent legal battle comes at a time when Florida could become the fourth Republican-led state to undergo mid-decade redistricting, potentially aiding former President Donald Trump‘s efforts to maintain Republican control of the U.S. House. Democracy Docket, a progressive legal organization founded by election lawyer Marc Elias, emphasizes that redistricting mid-decade is highly unusual and traditionally occurs post-census.
DeSantis’ proclamation follows tensions with the Florida House, which had initiated its own redistricting review. Notably, the Senate has yet to indicate any movement regarding mid-decade redistricting. The Governor argues that new congressional district lines are necessary to reflect Florida’s population growth since the 2020 Census.
Republican Party of Florida chair Evan Power has speculated that redrawn lines could lead to the party gaining three to five seats, particularly affecting districts in Tampa, Orlando, and South Florida. Conversely, Democrats, who are significantly outnumbered in both legislative chambers, alongside groups like the League of Women Voters of Florida, warn that this redistricting push could result in expensive legal battles.
Concerns focus on potential violations of the 2010 Fair Districts amendments, which set standards for redistricting processes. If the court rules in favor of the petitioners, Florida could witness a significant shift in its political dynamics, making this a critical moment for both parties ahead of the upcoming elections.
This situation is developing rapidly, and the implications for Florida’s political landscape are profound. Stay tuned for further updates as this case unfolds.
