Governor, House lawmakers seem intent on testing maps in court
New congressional district boundaries intended to meet Gov. Ron DeSantis’ approval were endorsed by the Florida House and face an almost certain challenge in court because of their impact on Black voters.
The House is ready for a final vote Friday on what leaders call a “primary” map that eliminates a Jacksonville-to-Tallahassee district held since 2016 by Black Democratic Rep. Al Lawson.
Instead, under the plan now headed to the Senate, Lawson’s District 5 would be confined to the Jacksonville area and undergo an 11% reduction in its Black voter population, down to 34%.
