The Florida Supreme Court upheld a congressional map drafted by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) — even as it acknowledged that the map weakens Black electoral power in the state.
The right-leaning court ruled Thursday by 5-1 that restoring a traditionally Black-represented district would violate the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause, as it would amount to racial gerrymandering.
The 5th Congressional District, held by Black representatives for nearly 30 years, was dismantled at DeSantis’ request in 2022. His new map scattered Black voters across four separate districts, reducing their ability to choose a candidate that best represents them in North Florida.
Plaintiffs, led by Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, argued DeSantis’ map was a flagrant assault on Black representation and a direct defiance of voters’ will. In 2010, Florida voters passed the Fair Districts Amendment (FDA) with 63% support, banning maps that reduce the ability of minority voters to elect their candidates of choice.
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