TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Supreme Court has cleared the way for the state’s newly redistricted congressional map to be used in the 2026 midterm elections, denying an emergency request from voting rights groups seeking to block it.
In a 6-1 decision issued on Wednesday, the court declined to issue a temporary injunction, ruling that the First District Court of Appeal should first consider the merits of the underlying challenge. The map, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in May 2026, is expected to favor Republicans.
Voting rights organizations had argued that the redistricting violates Florida’s constitutional ban on partisan gerrymandering under the Fair Districts Amendment, approved by voters in 2010. The new configuration is projected to potentially add seats for Republicans in the U.S. House.
The map was drawn during a special legislative session in April 2026. It alters previous district lines, including changes in North Florida that affect representation of minority communities. Lower courts had previously declined to block the map’s use ahead of candidate qualifying deadlines.
“The Florida Supreme Court has REJECTED the challenge to the state’s redistricting plan and new map,” DeSantis stated following the ruling.
Opponents, including groups such as Equal Ground and others, expressed disappointment and indicated they would continue pursuing the appeal in the lower appellate court. They contend the map undermines fair districting principles.
State officials and Republican lawmakers have defended the map as compliant with federal and state requirements, arguing it reflects population changes and legal standards following the 2020 census. The redistricting process followed the governor’s push for adjustments amid shifting political and legal landscapes.
The decision means the current map will remain in effect for the 2026 elections unless further court action alters it. Florida’s congressional delegation currently holds a Republican advantage, with the new boundaries potentially expanding that margin.
As of Thursday, the full merits of the constitutional challenge continue to be litigated in the appellate courts. The Florida Supreme Court has not issued a final ruling on the map’s legality. Election officials are proceeding with preparations under the approved districts.
