Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says he will call a special legislative session to redraw the state’s congressional map for 2026 — a move Republican strategists believe could net the GOP four or even five new seats. Those gains would likely knock out several Democrats and help counter California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s push to secure as many as five new Democratic seats through Proposition 50. The two states are now on a collision course in a coast-to-coast fight for control of the House. (RELATED: Indiana House Releases New Congressional Map Draft That Could Net GOP Additional Seats)
DeSantis told The Floridian he expects the session to take place in spring 2026, pointing to an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court ruling that will set the limits on how far Florida can go. The decision will clarify how Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act applies to the current GOP-leaning map — and determine just how aggressively Republicans can redraw the lines:
When asked if he would call the special session on redistricting between March and May of 2026, Gov. DeSantis said that he would “work with them on it to see how we do it,” adding that he believes,” Yeah, that is the case.”
In September, House Speaker Danny Perez announced that 11 representatives would serve on a select committee to redraw Florida’s congressional map, which already heavily favors state Republicans.
Rep. Mike Redondo (R-Miami) was named chairman of the Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting, which includes seven other Republicans and three Democrats.
The first redistricting meeting is scheduled for Dec. 4.
The Florida push mirrors broader GOP efforts in states like Texas, where Republicans are revisiting their maps to lock in stronger positions ahead of the midterms. With population shifts, court rulings, and political maneuvering poised to swing several seats nationwide, Florida’s map fight may become one of the pivotal battles deciding who controls Congress in 2026.
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