Florida Republicans are preparing to redraw the state’s congressional map in 2026, aiming to add four new districts. The move comes as GOP leaders say Florida’s rapid population growth has not been properly reflected in Washington.
The state already leans heavily Republican in the House, with 20 GOP members compared to 8 Democrats. Adding four new districts would give Republicans even more influence at the national level.
Governor Ron DeSantis has argued that Florida should have received two additional seats after the 2020 Census, not just one, and has endorsed the mid-decade redistricting plan. The effort is part of a larger national push by Republicans in states such as Texas, Missouri, and Ohio, where lawmakers are exploring similar moves.
Key points of the DeSantis redistricting plan:
- Four new congressional districts are being planned for Florida in 2026
- Florida’s current delegation is 20 Republicans and 8 Democrats
- DeSantis says the 2020 Census undercounted Florida’s growth
- Other GOP-led states are also pursuing mid-decade redistricting
Supporters of the plan say the changes are necessary to ensure fair representation for Florida’s fast-growing population. Democrats, meanwhile, claim the move is a power grab that could weaken their chances in the midterms.
With Republicans holding a narrow House majority, the addition of new GOP-leaning seats in Florida could prove decisive in keeping control of Congress in 2026.