Florida’s redrawn congressional map did not deliver Republicans new seats

Florida Republicans redrew the state’s congressional map about three months before Election Day, reshaping four Democratic-held districts, creating more Republican leaning districts.

But the changes did not produce the additional seats the party sought.

Republicans had 20 members in Florida’s congressional delegation before the election and still had 20 afterward, Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference Wednesday.

Two races remain too close to call.

District 9 was one of four Democratic-held seats targeted in the redistricting effort.

The district originally represented parts of Orange and Osceola counties. But after the redistricting, the district now also included Polk, Indian River, Highlands, Okeechobee and Glades counties.

As of Wednesday night, incumbent Democrat Darren Soto held a razor thin lead over Republican Dan Green, just outside the automatic recount margin.

DeSantis, who pushed for the new map, said Florida’s rapid population growth made redistricting necessary.

“Florida has experienced 10 years’ worth of population growth in like three, so if you look our districts are not fairly apportioned because of that,” said DeSantis.

Democrats argued the map was unconstitutional and designed to benefit Republicans.

“Instead of the voters choosing the politicians, the politicians are planning to choose who the voters are,” said a protester.

DeSantis attributed the election results to a surge in Democratic turnout and said the political landscape had shifted by as much as 15 points. “It’s hard to buck the trends,” he said.

In other redesigned districts, Democratic incumbent Kathy Castor won reelection to U.S. House District 14 in Hillsborough County.

Democratic incumbent Jared Moskowitz won reelection in House District 25 in South Florida.

Redrawn House District 22 also went to a Democrat: first-time candidate Pia Dandiya won in a district that stretches from across the Florida peninsula.

Another unresolved race is between Democrat Bale Dalton and Republican Ryan Elijah in US House District 7, covering parts of Volusia and Seminole counties. Dalton was outperforming many predictions, with a boost from the southern part of the district, including Sanford.

Canvassing boards will meet Friday and then we will know if there will be a recount.