Florida push for mid-decade redistricting draws its first lawsuit
Source: Politico
02/05/2026 05:36 PM EST
TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Florida’s bid to reshape its congressional map — which still hasn’t happened yet — drew its first lawsuit Thursday with the help of a group aligned with Democrats. Two Floridians, with backing from the National Redistricting Foundation, filed a lawsuit Thursday that contends Gov. Ron DeSantis and Secretary of State Cord Byrd lacked the legal authority to alter election laws after the governor called an April special session on mid-decade redistricting.
Byrd, relying on the special session proclamation issued by DeSantis, issued a directive that moved the dates of congressional qualifying from April to June. That directive cited a state election law that allows a change in qualifying procedures during a year when redistricting occurs. Florida’s constitution requires redistricting two years after the U.S. Census is taken but is silent on mid-decade redistricting.
Florida has been seen as a key piece of the national push by Republicans to overhaul congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The GOP already has a 20-8 edge in the Sunshine State, but some Republicans have predicted that they could gain three to five additional seats if they redraw the lines in Florida.
The lawsuit filed with the Florida Supreme Court concedes that DeSantis can call a special session. But lawyers argue that until the Legislature passes a map, the directives from Byrd “are not binding and enforceable” and that DeSantis cannot unilaterally declare that redistricting will occur.
Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/05/florida-redistricting-draws-lawsuit-00767825
Link to Democracy Docket PRESS RELEASE - Voters sue DeSantis for ordering Florida legislature to pursue pro-GOP gerrymander
Link to Democracy Docket CASE INFO - Florida Redistricting Special Session Challenge
Link to SUIT (PDF) - https://redistrictingfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/2026-02-05-Petition-For-Writ-Of-Quo-Warranto.pdf