House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis escalated their public feud over congressional redistricting, trading sharp remarks as both parties prepare for a high-stakes battle ahead of the midterms. The exchange comes as Florida lawmakers are set to take up new district maps during a special legislative session next week.
The back-and-forth intensified after DeSantis mocked Jeffries’ involvement in Florida politics. “There’s nothing that could be better for Republicans in Florida than to see Jeffries … everywhere around this state,” DeSantis said, Fox News reported.
Jeffries responded by pointing to a new Democratic effort targeting Republican-held seats. A super PAC aligned with House Democrats announced it will spend $20 million to go after potentially vulnerable GOP members in Florida.
Jeffries framed the move as a shift in strategy. “Making it clear that we’re on offense. That’s our Democratic gift to Ron DeSantis and the Florida Republicans, who he is putting in jeopardy,” he said.
Republicans currently control 20 of Florida’s 28 House seats
The exchange comes as DeSantis prepares to push for new congressional maps aimed at creating additional Republican-leaning districts. Republicans currently control 20 of Florida’s 28 House seats.
The special session was called after growing pressure from Republicans to act. The push intensified following a recent redistricting vote in Virginia that could significantly benefit Democrats if it survives legal challenges.
That measure, which passed narrowly, would give Democrats a potential 10-1 advantage in Virginia’s congressional delegation. It would also shift redistricting authority from a nonpartisan commission to the state legislature through 2030.
The developments have added urgency to efforts by both parties to redraw district lines in states they control
The developments have added urgency to efforts by both parties to redraw district lines in states they control. The broader strategy reflects a national fight over congressional maps ahead of the midterms, when the party in power typically faces political headwinds.
President Donald Trump has encouraged Republican-led states to pursue mid-decade redistricting. The goal is to strengthen the GOP’s narrow majority in the House.
Texas has been a focal point of that effort. Gov. Greg Abbott called a special session to pass new congressional maps, though Democrats attempted to delay the process by leaving the state.
In response, Democrats in other states have taken similar steps
In response, Democrats in other states have taken similar steps. California voters approved a ballot measure allowing the legislature to temporarily take control of redistricting from a nonpartisan commission.
That move is expected to produce additional Democratic-leaning districts. Other states, including Missouri, Ohio and North Carolina, have also been involved in redrawing maps.
Court decisions have played a key role in shaping outcomes. In Utah, a judge rejected a Republican-drawn map and approved an alternative that could create a Democratic-leaning district.
The fight has not been without internal divisions
The fight has not been without internal divisions. In Indiana, Republican lawmakers blocked a redistricting proposal despite support from Trump, highlighting disagreements within the party.
Back in Florida, Jeffries criticized the redistricting push and warned of political consequences. “Our message to Florida Republicans is, ‘F around and find out,’” he said.
He argued that new maps could put GOP incumbents at risk. Jeffries also claimed that recent election results suggest shifting political momentum in the state.
DeSantis dismissed those warnings and invited Jeffries to campaign in Florida
DeSantis dismissed those warnings and invited Jeffries to campaign in Florida. “Please. Be my guest. I will pay for you to come down to Florida to campaign,” he said.
“I’ll put you up in the Florida governor’s mansion. We will take you fishing,” DeSantis added.
House Speaker Mike Johnson signaled support for redrawing maps in Florida. “Florida has the right and the intention to do it. And my view is that they should,” Johnson said.
No proposed maps have been released publicly ahead of the special session
No proposed maps have been released publicly ahead of the special session. The outcome could have major implications for control of the House as both parties continue to battle over redistricting nationwide.
