A high-stakes hearing is scheduled Friday morning in a Tallahassee courtroom, as advocacy groups challenge a new state congressional map that boosts the GOP U.S. House advantage.<\/p>\n
They want the map, created by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office and approved by legislative Republicans, blocked.<\/p>\n
Marina Jenkins, executive director of the National Redistricting Foundation, calls it an “egregious gerrymander.”<\/p>\n
“This is a strong case, and the central argument is straightforward,” Jenkins said. “The Florida Constitution prohibits drawing congressional districts with partisan intent, and Gov. DeSantis and the Florida Legislature did exactly that.”<\/p>\n
Her group is backing plaintiffs in the case.<\/p>\n
Florida’s attorneys are pushing back on gerrymandering claims. Yet, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office has argued that part of the Constitution does not have to be followed.<\/p>\n
Whatever the ultimate decision, the case is likely to get appealed to the state Supreme Court.<\/p>\n