Floridians and advocacy groups are urging state lawmakers to prioritize pressing issues such as affordability rather than pursuing a mid-decade redistricting process, which they argue is both illegal and partisan. This response comes after the first House redistricting meeting took place.
Recent polling indicates that most Floridians, including many who voted for former President Trump, are against both mid-decade redistricting and partisan gerrymandering. Advocates referenced these findings and highlighted ongoing economic challenges in the state during a gathering after the legislative meeting.
Amy Keith, Executive Director of Common Cause Florida, stated: “The only reason this is happening is because Republicans and Democrats across the country are redrawing maps to get their party more seats in Congress in next year’s election. That’s illegal in Florida. Floridians overwhelmingly rejected partisan redistricting 15 years ago, and they still reject it today. The number one issue facing Floridians is our affordability crisis. Legislators should be focused on that. Playing with map rigging is a waste of time and a sign they won’t put Floridians first.”
Jonathan Webber, Florida Policy Director with the Southern Poverty Law Center, added: “Make no mistake. No politician or political party is entitled to a single seat in Congress. It is the people of Florida who are entitled to fair maps and equal representation. If the Legislature redraws these maps based on partisan gains, they will violate the Florida Constitution. They will waste taxpayer money. And they will deepen the mistrust voters already feel about whether their leaders respect the rule of law. Every hour spent on baseless mid-decade redistricting is another hour lawmakers are not addressing the urgent economic challenges facing Florida families.”
Genesis Robinson, Executive Director of Equal Ground, commented: “Florida’s Governor and legislative leaders are attempting something unprecedented, dangerous, and fundamentally undemocratic: a mid-decade redistricting process designed to tip the scales of political power and weaken the voice of everyday Floridians.”
Advocates emphasized that instead of focusing on altering congressional districts for potential political gain—a move they say contravenes established legal standards—lawmakers should address immediate concerns like rising living costs affecting residents throughout Florida.
