Groups file lawsuit against DeSantis over new congressional redistricting maps

ORLANDO, Fla. — Co-plaintiffs held a virtual news conference on Tuesday, highlighting their lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new congressional redistricting maps.

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The groups Equal Ground, Florida Rising, League of Women Voters of Florida and Black Voters Matter have filed a lawsuit asking for an injunction.

“Governor Ron DeSantis’ plan deeply diminishes Black representation and will have a harmful impact on Black communities far beyond this cycle,” said Moné Holder with Florida Rising.

READ: ‘Blatant attempt to rig districts’: Black lawmakers condemn DeSantis-approved congressional map

The groups are hoping lawmakers can get back to the drawing board and come up with a new map they feel would be fair, especially for Black and brown voters.

“They’re drawing political maps that disproportionally favor the Republican Party,” said Jasmin Burney-Clark with Equal Ground Florida.

As it stands now, in Central Florida, U.S. representatives Michael Waltz, Val Demings and Stephanie Murphy’s districts would change. They are all historically Democratic strongholds. This likely would not be the case under the new map.

READ: Governor’s office releases proposed congressional redistricting map

“They are trying to get us to draw crazy, squiggly lines to gerrymander the map to get more districts based on race and that’s just wrong,” said Rep. Anthony Sabatini.

Sabatini voted in favor of the revised districting map. He stands behind his decision.

READ: Groups sue state over new Florida congressional map

“We need a race-neutral map and that’s what we passed. That’s what the great majority of Americans and Floridians agree with,” Sabatini said.

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