Tuesday’s midterm elections in Florida demonstrated the impact of the new congressional map that President Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis championed earlier this year. The map, approved by the state Legislature in April, redrew 20 of the state’s 28 U.S. House districts, shifting many boundaries to favor Republican‑leaning voters.
Democrats Hold Four Reworked Seats
Despite the partisan tilt, Democratic incumbents held on to four districts that were considered vulnerable. In District 25, Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D‑Coral Springs) defeated Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer after a hard‑fought campaign. Kathy Castor (D‑Tampa) also retained her seat, beating former Republican state House member Mike Beltran in District 14.
First‑time candidate Pia Dandiya won District 22, a newly drawn district that stretches from Collier County on the Gulf Coast to Palm Beach and Broward counties on the Atlantic. She defeated businessman Casey Askar in a race that highlighted the district’s diverse geography.
In District 9, Rep. Darren Soto (D) edged out Republican Dan Green with a 50.26% to 49.74% margin, just shy of the 0.5% recount threshold.
Republicans Avoid a Washout
While Democrats secured those four seats, Republicans avoided a catastrophic loss and kept a commanding 20‑8 delegation. In District 7, which covers all of Seminole County and part of Volusia County, Rep. Ryan Elijah (R) held a 49.8% to 49.2% lead over Democrat Bale Dalton, sidestepping a recount.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R‑Tampa) retained District 13 with 49.5% of the vote against Democrat Leela Gray (48.7%). In District 4, covering Nassau, Clay and Duval counties, Rep. Aaron Bean (R‑Jacksonville) won 50% to 48.3% over Democrat LaShonda Holloway.
Miami‑Dade’s two Republican incumbents also held narrow leads. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) led District 27 with 50.27% over Democrat Eliott Rodriguez (49.73%). Rep. Mario Díaz‑Balart (R) kept District 26 with 49.9% to Democrat Nicole Locklin’s 49.08%.
Map Impact and Voter Sentiment
The new map clearly favored Republican candidates, with many districts shifting toward a Trump‑winning margin in 2024. For example, Castor’s former district, once solidly Democratic, voted for President Trump by 11 points after the redrawing.
Nevertheless, Democratic victories in four districts illustrate voter disenchantment with high gas and grocery prices, as well as lingering support for local Democratic representatives who have deep community roots.
What This Means for Florida
If the current returns hold, Florida’s House delegation will remain at 20 Republicans and eight Democrats, preserving the state’s strong Republican presence in Congress while acknowledging pockets of Democratic resilience.
Both parties will look to the next election cycle to assess how the new district lines shape campaign strategies and voter outreach across the Sunshine State.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
