Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the state has "every right to do new districts," citing voter-registration data showing roughly 1.3 million more Republicans than Democrats and fresh census figures that he argues justify a redraw of Florida’s congressional map. He stated that the changes could even secure the state an additional U.S. House seat. DeSantis, who vetoed the legislature’s map in 2022, contends earlier boundaries amounted to racial gerrymandering and were influenced by a national redistricting push led by former President Barack Obama and former Attorney General Eric Holder. The governor said he is working with the Commerce Department to incorporate updated population data and produce what he called “fairer representation.” A new map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections could further strengthen Republican advantages; the party already holds about 60% of the Florida Senate and two-thirds of the state House. Any redistricting effort is expected to draw legal scrutiny, continuing Florida’s high-stakes fight over how its fast-growing population is represented in Congress.