Weather

65°F7:10 AM

Politics

1 read

Florida's New District Map Could Shift Political Power to Republicans

KVIA•Monday, May 4, 2026 at 5:30 PM•CNN Newsource

Government building representing politics and policy news

Want the full story?

Read the complete article at KVIA

AI Summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has enacted a new congressional district map aimed at increasing Republican representation by potentially gaining four seats currently held by Democrats. This move follows a recent Supreme Court decision that limits the Voting Rights Act's influence on redistricting, making legal challenges to the map more difficult. The changes affect various districts, notably altering the demographics of Rep. Darren Soto's majority Hispanic district and splitting key areas in Tampa and South Florida, which could lead to competitive races among incumbents. Voting rights advocates are preparing to contest the map in court, citing concerns over partisan gerrymandering.

Key Details: • The new map could shift four Democratic-held seats to Republicans. • Rep. Darren Soto's district demographics change from 52% to 39% Hispanic. • Rep. Kathy Castor's district is split, impacting her representation. • Legal challenges to the map are expected from voting rights groups.

democrats redistricting republicans voting-rights gerrymandering

People & Organizations

Maxwell FrostOrlandoSouth FloridaRon DeSantisTampaJared MoskowitzSt. PetersburgDarren SotoKathy CastorDebbie Wasserman SchultzBroward County

Related Articles

New Mexico Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuit Against Immigrant Safety Act

The New Mexico Attorney General, Raúl Torrez, has filed a motion to dismiss a federal lawsuit that challenges the Immigrant Safety Act, which prohibits state and local entities from engaging in civil immigration enforcement. The motion asserts that the federal government cannot dictate how New Mexico allocates its law enforcement resources. The Immigrant Safety Act, also known as House Bill 9, was passed in response to issues at the Otero County Processing Center, including overcrowding and unsanitary conditions, which have raised concerns about the treatment of detainees. This law ensures that public resources in New Mexico are not used for federal immigration enforcement efforts.

House Republicans Approve $70 Billion for ICE and Border Patrol Funding

House Republicans have passed a significant immigration enforcement package, allocating $70 billion to fund the Department of Homeland Security, specifically targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This funding comes after a contentious period marked by internal party disagreements and a narrow vote of 214 to 212. The bill is crucial for President Trump's agenda as it provides funding without new reforms or oversight for ICE, despite growing scrutiny of the agency. Critics, including some Democrats, argue that this funding could have been better spent on pressing social issues like homelessness. The legislation is set to support Trump's initiatives for the remainder of his term, reflecting the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party regarding immigration policy.

El Paso Residents Demand Action on META Contract at City Hall Meeting

A significant turnout at El Paso City Hall saw hundreds of residents advocating for the City Council to initiate the process of terminating the contract with META, the parent company of Facebook. Although the council's vote did not result in an immediate end to the contract, the overwhelming public presence, which exceeded the chamber's 220-person capacity, highlighted community concerns regarding META's influence. This gathering underscores the importance of local governance and the residents' desire for accountability from their representatives. The council's decision is a pivotal moment for transparency and public engagement in El Paso.

SPLC President Defends Organization Amid Controversial Congressional Hearing

During a congressional hearing, Bryan Fair, the interim president of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), faced intense scrutiny from Republican lawmakers regarding the organization's past use of informants within extremist groups. The SPLC is currently under investigation for allegedly misusing donor funds, with claims that $4.1 million was funneled to groups such as the KKK and Aryan Nations. Fair denied these allegations, asserting that the SPLC does not fund hate groups and that the accusations will be addressed in court. The hearing highlighted ongoing partisan tensions, with Democrats defending the SPLC and suggesting that the indictment is politically motivated. The SPLC has pleaded not guilty to charges including wire fraud and money laundering, and the case continues to unfold.