Gerrymandering by Stealth: DeSantis’ Unconstitutional Maps

The battle over congressional maps in Florida has begun, pitting Governor Ron DeSantis against advocacy groups who claim his new district lines are unconstitutional. The core of their argument is that DeSantis’ map-drawer, Jason Pereda, used partisan data to draw the districts, violating the Fair Districts amendments passed by voters with 63% support in 2010.

The controversy centers on whether the language of those amendments has been superseded by federal law. While the US Supreme Court’s recent decision limiting the use of race in redistricting may provide a convenient loophole for DeSantis, it’s worth noting that this ruling was not specifically about partisan gerrymandering. The Court’s decision suggests that judges should be more cautious when interpreting federal law on issues like voting rights.

The plaintiffs argue that by using partisan data to draw districts, Pereda effectively ignored the Fair Districts provisions. They point out that in regions where population growth is slower, the new map has made significant changes favoring Republican-held seats. For instance, Rep. Kathy Castor’s seat was redrawn in the Tampa Bay area, a move the plaintiffs claim was designed to target Democrats.

DeSantis and his team counter that their new maps are not unconstitutional because they’ve been influenced by population shifts and growth patterns. However, this defense is weakened when considering the full scope of DeSantis’ efforts to redraw Florida’s congressional map. The national trend is clear: Republicans have emerged as the dominant force in redistricting battles across the country.

With 20 of Florida’s 28 congressional districts already held by Republicans, it’s no surprise that DeSantis’ new map includes an additional four GOP-leaning seats. This could cement Republican control over the state’s congressional delegation for years to come. The implications are stark: if this map stands, we risk losing faith in our electoral system.

The case is not just about Florida or even the US; it speaks to a broader issue of democratic erosion. When politicians can redraw district lines with impunity, using partisan data to stack the odds in their favor, we risk creating electoral fiefdoms that undermine fair representation and equal voting power. By allowing this kind of gerrymandering by stealth, we put our representative democracy at risk.

Judge Joshua Hawkes must now weigh the potential consequences of allowing DeSantis’ new map to stand. What’s at stake here is not just a few seats or even an entire congressional delegation but the very notion of representative democracy. The courts must intervene before it’s too late, upholding the law and respecting the will of voters.

The battle over Florida’s congressional maps is far from over, but one thing is clear: this fight is not just about politics; it’s about the future of our democracy itself. As we watch this drama unfold, let us remember that the integrity of our electoral system depends on the willingness of politicians to uphold the law and respect the will of voters.