DeSantis plots end run of Florida law to create more GOP House seats

Source: msn/Axios

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Florida bans lawmakers from intentionally creating congressional seats to give their party an advantage. But Gov. Ron DeSantis quietly has launched a three-tiered power play to evade the ban — and create more GOP-friendly seats — in November.

Why it matters: Partisan control of Congress could hinge on how — or whether — Florida legislators approve DeSantis' new map of U.S. House districts in a special session next Tuesday.

DeSantis called lawmakers to Tallahassee in light of the nationwide redistricting battle that began when President Trump pressured Republican-led states to create more GOP-leaning House seats.

After Virginia Democrats got voter approval for a plan to create up to four more Democrat-leaning districts this week, DeSantis' effort in Florida became more urgent.

If it fails, Trump's redistricting gambit could wind up being an advantage for Democrats.

Zoom in: Interviews with 14 Florida lawmakers, lawyers and redistricting experts reveal how DeSantis could get around Florida's constitution, which expressly bans lawmakers from drawing districts with "the intent to favor or disfavor a political party or an incumbent."

The key word: "intent." It's what opponents of DeSantis' strategy will need to prove in a trial court if, or when, the legislature passes his map.

DeSantis rejected lawmakers' calls to have an open process and draw the maps during the regular January lawmaking session.

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/desantis-plots-end-run-of-florida-law-to-create-more-gop-house-seats/ar-AA21CAdr

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