TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — As the political landscape in Florida shifts, Democrats in the state face the likelihood of losing ground in the U.S. House due to a recently approved congressional map by the Republican-majority legislature.
The new map, which has sparked controversy and allegations of gerrymandering, was justified by Gov. Ron DeSantis as a reflection of Florida’s demographic and political shifts. Democrats, however, claim it is a strategic move influenced by Trump’s call for Republicans to redraw maps nationwide.
Gerrymandering techniques such as “packing and cracking” are employed in these changes. Packing consolidates similar voters into fewer districts, while cracking disperses them to reduce impact, potentially leading to Republicans gaining four seats.
Despite potential lawsuits, the new boundaries could significantly impact the state’s Democratic-leaning districts.
Impact on Tampa Bay’s Political Balance
Tampa and St. Petersburg, once pivotal swing areas, now face significant changes. The current split includes a Republican district under Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and a Democratic one under Rep. Kathy Castor. The new map divides the area into three Republican-leaning districts, incorporating more conservative regions into Castor’s jurisdiction.
Castor criticized the redistricting as “blatantly illegal” under Florida’s constitutional ban on partisan gerrymandering. However, she remains committed to advocating for Tampa Bay families. Luna, gaining more Republican precincts, is still considered vulnerable due to Trump’s waning popularity.
Orlando’s Districts Consolidated
Previously separate districts of Democrats Darren Soto and Maxwell Frost in Orlando are now merging into a single, Democratic-stronghold district. The remaining Orlando areas will form a more Republican-favored district.
Frost raised concerns over the district’s design, claiming it dilutes Orange County voters’ influence. Soto also criticized DeSantis, citing the impact on Florida’s Puerto Rican community.
South Florida’s District Reorganization
A heavily Black district in south Florida, once represented by Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, is being dismantled. This change follows a Supreme Court decision affecting the Voting Rights Act. DeSantis argued it was a race-based gerrymander, and the district will now be spread across several others.
Changes in Palm Beach and Broward Counties
Reps. Lois Frankel and Jared Moskowitz’s districts will be reconfigured, with Frankel’s becoming more Democratic and Moskowitz’s being split across three districts, complicating his reelection chances.
Parkland, Moskowitz’s residence, will be included in a Republican-leaning district extending to Naples. Moskowitz’s future plans remain undecided.
Redistricting Challenges for Wasserman-Schultz and Wilson
In Miami-Dade, Wasserman-Schultz and Frederica Wilson’s districts face significant changes. A single Democratic district is established, leaving Wasserman-Schultz to decide her next move.
Despite these shifts, the changes do not substantially advantage Republican Reps. María Elvira Salazar or Carlos Giménez, who remain Democratic targets in the midterms.
