Florida Supreme Court Lets DeSantis-Drawn Map Move Forward Despite Gerrymandering Ban

Florida’s Supreme Court cleared the way for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ congressional map to be used in 2026, despite voters’ Fair Districts Amendment banning partisan gerrymandering. The majority avoided ruling on the map itself, while Justice Jorge Labarga dissented, urging intervention as in past elections. A DeSantis appointee, Judge Joshua Hawkes, previously denied a block on the map, arguing it might be preferable given federal and state considerations. Plaintiffs appealed, the court expedited briefing, and DeSantis touted the court’s conservative tilt as the map could yield up to four additional GOP seats.