Court fight over Ron DeSantis’ new congressional map kicks off in Florida

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ attempt to do away with anti-gerrymandering provisions in the state constitution had its first day in court Friday, as opposing attorneys pushed a Tallahassee judge to put a temporary hold on new congressional lines that created four additional GOP-leaning seats.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ attempt to do away with anti-gerrymandering provisions in the state constitution had its first day in court Friday, as opposing attorneys pushed a Tallahassee judge to put a temporary hold on new congressional lines that created four additional GOP-leaning seats.

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A series of lawsuits from advocacy groups challenging the map argue in large part that Jason Pereda, the DeSantis administration’s map-drawer, used political data to draw the new districts, which they say makes them unconstitutional in Florida after voters passed the Fair Districts amendments with 63% support in 2010.

Pereda conceded in state legislative testimony last month that he used political data along with other considerations when drawing the new maps.