Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Redistricting and Census Data

Redistricting in Florida

• 📌 Governor DeSantis believes it is appropriate to pursue redistricting in Florida mid-decade due to population shifts and perceived "defects" in current congressional lines.
• ⚠️ He previously vetoed a map, stating it was a "disaster," and supported a subsequent map that was upheld by the Florida Supreme Court.
• 🔍 The Governor suggests the Florida Supreme Court's analysis may indicate further defects that need remedying.

Population Shifts and Apportionment

• 📈 DeSantis highlights significant population shifts in Florida since the 2020 census, arguing the state is malapportioned.
• ⚖️ He points to disparities in vote counts between congressional districts as evidence of unequal apportionment.

Census Data and Seat Allocation

• 🗣️ DeSantis claims Florida received a "raw deal" in the census, receiving only one new seat when it should have received at least two.
• 🏛️ He notes that Texas and Florida should each be awarded at least one more seat, especially as Florida was projected to gain two seats when Biden took office.
• 🧐 The Governor questions the integrity of the census process, citing Rhode Island, which was supposed to lose a seat but retained both, suggesting the Commerce Secretary's former ties to the state played a role.
• 🌍 He believes the country is currently malapportioned due to migration patterns, with Florida being a prime example.
• ✅ DeSantis is exploring legal avenues based on the court's opinion to address these issues.