Judge Allows Florida House Map That Could Add 4 Republican Seats
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- A Florida judge declined to temporarily block the state's new congressional map, allowing it to remain in effect while a lawsuit challenging it proceeds.
- The map could give Republicans four additional seats in the November midterm elections, raising concerns about partisan gerrymandering.
- Voting and civil rights groups argue the map violates Florida’s Fair Districts amendments, but the judge ruled they had not shown a strong likelihood of success.
- The judge favored the current map over reinstating previous districts, citing constitutional concerns related to a majority-Black district and recent Supreme Court rulings.
- Plaintiffs plan to appeal, emphasizing broad public opposition to partisan gerrymandering, though the primary ballot qualifying deadline is imminent.