Florida
Florida Supreme Court Upholds DeSantis’ Redistricted Congressional Map
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recently redistricted congressional map that could net Republicans up to four additional seats this fall will remain in place after the Florida Supreme Court rejected an emergency petition to stop the map from taking effect on Wednesday.…
Key points
- The Florida Supreme Court has upheld the new congressional map by Governor DeSantis.
- The ruling allows Republicans the potential to gain up to four additional congressional seats.
- The legal challenge against the map is ongoing, focusing on claims of partisan bias.
NewsWK — The Florida Supreme Court has decided not to intervene in a legal challenge against Governor Ron DeSantis’ newly redistricted congressional map, which may potentially secure up to four additional seats for Republicans. This ruling came after the court rejected an emergency petition from the Equal Ground Education Fund on Wednesday.
The petition aimed to overturn a previous decision by the First District Court of Appeal, which had denied a temporary injunction to halt the map’s implementation. Despite this ruling, the legal dispute continues, as the underlying lawsuit remains active.
The lawsuit, filed on May 4 by the Elias Law Group on behalf of 18 plaintiffs from across Florida, argues that the new congressional map violates the state’s 2010 Fair Districts Amendments. This law prohibits the creation of districts that favor incumbents or any political party.
Genesis Robinson, executive director of Equal Ground, criticized the court’s decision, stating, “Let’s be clear, the Florida Supreme Court’s failure to stop this brazen partisan power grab is not only an assault on democracy, but an abdication of its duty to the people of Florida.” He emphasized that the courts should act as a safeguard against governmental overreach.
In contrast, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier praised the decision on social media, claiming, “The Florida Supreme Court just stopped Marc Elias’ attempted takeover of Florida’s congressional map and denied his request to hear the case. COMPLETE AND TOTAL VICTORY.” Elias is a well-known attorney representing Democratic interests nationwide.
With the state legislature under Republican control, Florida currently holds 20 of its 28 congressional seats. The deadline for candidates to qualify for the upcoming congressional elections in Florida is set for Friday at noon.
Based on reporting originally published by Florida Phoenix. Read the original story.
