The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for April 29, 2026
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis finally unveiled his mid-decade congressional redistricting plan on April 27th, saying “this has been a long-standing issue that we’ve had.” The map attempts to gerrymander four additional GOP seats, but experts suggest his plan may make other red-leaning districts vulnerable.
DeSantis delayed a special session, awaiting the outcome of Virginia’s redistricting special election and the still-pending Louisiana v. Callais U.S. Supreme Court case. The Governor appears to be betting that the high court’s decision will allow further dilution of traditionally Black voting districts.
The proposed DeSantis map – now four tiny blue dots on a sea of red – reduces Democratic-leaning districts from eight to four, and gives the GOP a 24-4 congressional seat advantage. But a University of Virginia Center for Politics analysis suggests shifting the districts may have unintended consequences, including making another GOP seat a toss up, and shifting two others from solid red to leaning Republican by only four points. Two recent flips by Democrats in red State House districts suggest those seats may not be safe.
The Florida Phoenix reports that as the special session began April 28th, there was a lack of enthusiasm by many Republicans to redraw the congressional districts.
We’ve posted the DeSantis map at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org, I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Florida Phoenix – DeSantis sends his new congressional map to Florida lawmakers
WLRN Public Media – DeSantis slammed for ripping up voter-approved Florida amendment in gerrymandering push
FOX News – Gov. Ron DeSantis Announces Proposed Maps
Univ. of Virginia Center for Politics – How We Would Rate the New Proposed Florida Gerrymander
Florida Div. of Elections – Voter Registration – By Party Affiliation
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – Gerrymandering Arms Race Update: VA Voters Narrowly Approve Mid-Decade Redistricting; FL’s Delayed Special Session Starts April 28th
American Democracy Minute – Citing the Equal Protection Clause, FL Supreme Court Allows DeSantis Redistricting Plan to Wipe Out Black Majority Congressional District
Groups Taking Action:
Equal Ground, Common Cause, Florida Rising
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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