Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new congressional map into law, sparking widespread criticism over gerrymandering in the US. The map, which was approved by the Republican-dominated Florida legislature, is expected to give Republicans an advantage in four more races in November's midterms.
According to reports, the map has been designed to split Democratic-leaning areas and consolidate Republican support, potentially securing four additional congressional seats for the party.
The move has been condemned by Democrats and good government groups, who argue that it undermines the integrity of the electoral process and disenfranchises voters. In a statement, President Biden's administration said the map 'raises serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Florida.'
DeSantis, a Republican gubernatorial candidate himself, has defended the map, arguing that it is a 'fair and lawful' reflection of the state's demographics.
The new map will take effect in time for the 2026 midterms, when all 435 seats in the US House of Representatives will be up for election.