TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Governor Ron DeSantis stated on Tuesday that the upcoming special session on redistricting might not commence as planned on April 20. However, he remains confident that a new congressional redistricting map will be approved by the Legislature within the next few weeks.
“It’s possible you could do a little tweak, but you can’t really push it very far,” the Republican governor remarked regarding the session’s schedule during a bill signing event near the Tallahassee airport.
DeSantis avoided directly addressing whether he would provide lawmakers with a proposed map at the onset of the session, creating uncertainty about Florida’s timeline for redrawing congressional maps, a move other states are undertaking to influence midterm control of the House.
The Republican-controlled state House and Senate have not developed their own redistricting proposals, opting instead to wait for the DeSantis administration to propose a map — a strategy that might shield the Legislature from potential legal challenges. As of now, neither chamber has scheduled meetings for the coming week.
DeSantis also dismissed any links between a potential schedule change and the outcome of an upcoming referendum in Virginia. In that state, voters will decide next Tuesday — two days into the planned Florida session — on a proposal that could potentially give Democrats up to four additional seats. Polls indicate a close race, and a Democrat defeat might ease Republican urgency.
“I have no idea what the relevance of Virginia is to anything we’re doing,” DeSantis commented, adding that a slight delay could be attributed to the ongoing budget impasse between Florida’s House and Senate.
His remarks came a day after Republican Rep. Byron Donalds suggested during a South Florida event that Florida Republicans should proceed with redistricting efforts to preempt developments in Virginia. However, Florida’s constitution forbids redistricting for partisan purposes, and any admission of counteracting other states could be used in future legal disputes.
Florida is perceived as the last hope for Republicans seeking redistricting gains after a series of referendums and legislative actions in various states. Initially, GOP consultants were optimistic about gaining three to five seats in Florida, but this enthusiasm has waned due to a challenging political climate. Some Florida GOP Congress members worry that a new map might cost them seats.
DeSantis initially called for a special session last summer, hinging the decision on a forthcoming U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could prevent states from considering racial demographics when redrawing districts. He scheduled the special session to begin on April 20 and conclude on April 24.
Despite the absence of a Supreme Court ruling as the session date approaches, DeSantis recently affirmed that proceeding without the ruling is still appropriate.
In 2022, DeSantis vetoed a legislative proposal for a congressional map and enforced a configuration that secured a 20-8 advantage for Republicans.
Recent interviews with legislators from both parties suggest anticipation that DeSantis might take the lead once more.
“We’re not talking about maps, I don’t know if there is one,” said state Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, a Naples Republican and chair of the influential Rules Committee, which would likely evaluate any map before a final Senate vote. “I’m in the same boat of wait and see like everyone else.”
State Sen. Don Gaetz, a Panhandle Republican who led the Senate redistricting committee in 2012, also noted his unawareness of any proposed maps.
“Of course if the governor has a proposal and accompanying rationale I’d appreciate the opportunity to review it as soon as practical within the call of the special session,” Gaetz stated in a text message. “To get my support any proposal will have to be constitutional.”
