A judge in Leon County, Florida, has upheld the state’s new congressional district map, a decision that will impact the 2026 General Election. The ruling, issued by Judge Joshua Hawkes, supports the map signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this month.

The legal challenge was brought by Equal Ground Florida, which argued that the map was drawn to favor Republicans, violating the state constitution. However, Judge Hawkes ruled in favor of Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd, citing the need for electoral certainty with the primary election less than three months away and the general election less than six months away.

Hawkes emphasized that the public interest is better served by maintaining the current map rather than implementing a judicially mandated alternative. The decision aligns with Florida’s argument that the map accounts for population changes since the 2020 U.S. Census and adheres to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that race cannot be the predominant factor in drawing districts.

Despite the ruling, Common Cause Florida, a group opposing the map, has vowed to continue its legal battle. Executive Director Amy Keith stated that the organization will explore all legal avenues to challenge what they view as partisan gerrymandering.

Governor DeSantis and other Republican leaders have expressed satisfaction with the decision. Florida’s new map gives Republicans an advantage in 24 congressional districts, while Democrats hold the advantage in four. Under the previous map, Democrats had the advantage in eight districts, with Republicans favored in 20.

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power praised the new map, stating that it reflects the state’s current voter registration demographics, where Republicans hold a significant advantage. The decision marks another victory for the state’s Republican leadership in their efforts to shape Florida’s political landscape.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.