We break down what Florida’s new congressional map means for voters

WUSF | By Dinorah Prevost,

Matthew Peddie

Published April 27, 2022 at 8:07 AM EDT

Democratic representative Angie Nixon of Jacksonville was one of the lawmakers who participated in the sit-in protest against the new congressional map last Thursday.

This week on Florida Matters, we recap the recent special session to redraw the state’s congressional boundaries.

Lawmakers voted largely along party lines to approve maps proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The controversial maps are expected to reduce Black Congressional representation in the state — especially with the elimination of North Florida’s District 5, a majority-minority district - and give an advantage to Republican candidates.

Guest Valerie Crowder, a reporter from WFSU, Tallahassee’s NPR member station, said Black lawmakers were strongly opposed to the new map during the special session. Some even held a sit-in protest on the House floor.

DeSantis’ map also includes big changes for the greater Tampa Bay region.

Under the new map, one of the largest cities in the region — St. Petersburg — will be represented by two lawmakers instead of one. The size of Democrat Kathy Castor’s District 14 — which encompasses all of Tampa — would grow to include part of St. Petersburg.

That change is very intentional, guest William March, a longtime Tampa Bay-based political reporter, noted. March said the change is designed to help Republican candidates in future elections and make Florida’s District 13 less competitive.

You can listen to host Matthew Peddie's conversation with Crowder and March by clicking on the “Listen” button above. Or you can listen on the WUSF app under “Programs & Podcasts.”