Equal Ground & Dozens of Floridians Challenge New Congressional Maps Enacted by FL Legislature & Governor DeSantis

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Feldman Strategies, team@feldmanstrategies.com

Equal Ground & Dozens of Floridians Challenge New Congressional Maps Enacted by FL Legislature & Governor DeSantis

The just-filed lawsuit directly challenges the congressional maps unlawfully passed by FL lawmakers and just signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis.

TALLAHASSEE – Today, Equal Ground Education Fund – the preeminent Black-led, non-partisan, non-profit working to build Black political power and increase civic engagement in Florida – has filed a lawsuit alongside individual plaintiffs challenging the congressional map recently enacted by the Legislature and signed into law. 

Equal Ground and individual plaintiffs are teaming up to defend the rights of Floridians and the integrity of our democracy. The new congressional map was proposed and driven by Governor Ron DeSantis and passed by a Legislature that chose to go along with a partisan process that clearly violates Florida’s Fair Districts Amendments. Rather than uphold their constitutional obligation, state leaders worked in concert to advance a map designed to benefit those in power at the expense of Florida voters.

“This map is not just flawed, it is a deliberate and unconstitutional attempt to manipulate our electoral system for partisan gain,’ said Equal Ground Executive Director Genesis Robinson. “The newly enacted map – pushed through with an unlawful mid-decade redistricting process – is in direct violation of the Fair Districts Amendments, overwhelmingly passed by Floridians to prevent this exact type of overreach.”

Equal Ground and individual plaintiffs brought this case because Floridians deserve fair representation, equal protection, and a government that follows its own laws. When those in power ignore the Constitution, it is the responsibility of the courts to step in.

“Florida’s Constitution is clear. The Fair Districts Amendments prohibit maps from being drawn to favor a political party or incumbent. Yet this map does exactly that. It weakens the voting power of Floridians and attempts to predetermine electoral outcomes before a single vote is cast. This is not how democracy is supposed to work,” continued Robinson.

The court must intervene, strike down this unlawful map, and provide meaningful relief for the people of Florida by ensuring that any future map complies with the Constitution and protects the rights of all voters.

View the full complaint here.

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