The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for May 5, 2026
The gerrymandering arms race escalated further May 4th, as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed congressional maps adding as many as four additional GOP seats. With the U.S. Supreme Court adding fuel to the fire with its Louisiana v. Callais decision, Illinois and New York may be contemplating a response.
After a brief special session, the Florida legislature passed the maps – created by the Governor’s office, not by the legislature – within 48 hours. DeSantis signed the maps May 4th, tweeting, QUOTE, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” While the map could deliver as many as four additional GOP seats, redistricting analysts suggest it may have inadvertently made other districts competitive.
Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and South Carolina are likely to hastily redistrict due to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision on April 29th. It struck down use of race in redistricting, invalidating majority-minority voting districts protected under the Voting Rights Act. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced May 4th he would send NY Congressman Joe Morelle to meet with New York state leadership to urge passage of SB8467 to allow mid-decade redistricting, which New York’s constitution forbids.
In a social media post, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker hinted, “Here in the Land of Lincoln, we’re fighting back, upholding our values, and safeguarding democracy.”
We’ve linked to more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org, I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Florida Phoenix – DeSantis signs legislation making new congressional map official
U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries – JOINT STATEMENT FROM LEADER JEFFRIES, RANKING MEMBER MORELLE ON NEW YORK REDISTRICTING
CNBC – Top Democrat aims for New York redistricting after Supreme Court’s Voting Rights ruling
NY State Senate – Senate Bill S8467
Gov. J.B. Pritzker – Response to U.S. Supreme Court Decision on X
UVA Center for Politics – A Redistricting Check-in at the Dawn of the Callais Era
Council on Foreign Relations – Gerrymandering, the Supreme Court, and the 2026 Midterm Elections
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – The U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision in Louisiana Sends States Back to the Gerrymandering Drawing Board to Rig Districts Before the Midterms
American Democracy Minute – Gerrymandering Arms Race Update: FL Gov. Ron DeSantis Unveils Congressional Redistricting Plan, Gerrymandering 4 Additional GOP Seats
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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