Redistricting is one of those words that makes most people's eyes glaze over. It sounds like something that happens in a government building you've never been to, decided by people you've never met, with maps you'll never see.
But here's the thing: redistricting decides whether your vote actually matters. It determines which congressional district you live in, which candidates appear on your ballot, and how much political power your community has.
And right now, Governor DeSantis is trying to redo Florida's congressional map in the middle of the decade, years before it's supposed to happen.
What's Happening
On January 7, 2026, Governor DeSantis issued a proclamation calling for a special legislative session the week of April 20 to redraw Florida's congressional district lines. He also directed Secretary of State Cord Byrd to delay congressional candidate qualifying from April to June.
This is unusual. Really unusual. Redistricting normally happens once a decade, right after the U.S. Census releases new population data. The last Census was in 2020. The maps were drawn in 2022. The next Census is in 2030. There is no new population data that requires new maps.
The Quiet Part Out Loud
Florida Republican Party Chairman Evan Power said publicly that the party could pick up three to five additional congressional seats with redrawn lines. Florida currently has 20 Republican and 8 Democratic members of Congress.
Florida would be the fourth Republican-led state to attempt mid-decade redistricting, all in an effort to maintain GOP control of the U.S. House. The others are Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia.
Why This Matters for Pinellas County
Pinellas County currently sits across multiple congressional districts. Depending on how maps are redrawn, your district could change. Your representative could change. The competitiveness of your district could change. Communities that currently have a voice could be split apart or diluted.
This isn't abstract. This is about whether your vote for Congress counts for something or whether your district has been drawn to predetermine the outcome before you ever walk into a polling place.
What About Fair Districts?
In 2010, Florida voters approved the Fair Districts amendments to the state constitution. These amendments established standards for how district lines must be drawn. They prohibit maps that are designed to favor or disfavor any political party.
Any new maps would almost certainly be challenged under these amendments. The question is whether they'll be enforced.
What You Can Do
1. Contact Your State Legislators
- Find your FL House rep: myfloridahouse.gov/FindYourRepresentative
- Find your FL Senator: flsenate.gov/Senators/Find
- Tell them you oppose mid-decade redistricting and support the Fair Districts amendments voters approved in 2010
2. Contact Governor DeSantis
- Phone: (850) 717-9337
- Online: flgov.com/contact-governor
- Message: "I oppose mid-decade congressional redistricting. Voters approved Fair Districts protections and the next redistricting should follow the Census, not political strategy."
3. Follow the Legal Challenge
- Track at democracydocket.com
- Follow League of Women Voters: lwvfl.org
- The special session is scheduled for the week of April 20
Sources: Orlando Weekly | WUWF | CBS Miami