BREAKING: Florida House launches select committee to look into redistricting

Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez has announced the creation of a Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting in the state, coming as Texas is moving to institute a mid-decade redistricting effort.

"As many of you are aware, there are national conversations ongoing in other states related to midterm redistricting. Here in Florida, our state supreme court’s recent decision in Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, Inc. v Secretary, Florida Department of State, raises important and distinct questions about the applicability and interpretation of certain provisions of the so-called 'Fair Districts' provisions of the Florida Constitution and their intersection with Federal law," a memorandum from House Speaker Perez stated. 

He said that "we do not have the capacity to engage in the full redistricting process experienced during the 2020-2022 term."

Perez said that those running for Congress, or those who have made "statements about redistricting that suggest an intent to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party," would be disqualified from consideration for the select committee.

Governor Ron DeSantis has said he’s looking "very seriously" at having a new congressional map in the state. "I've said that I would look favorably on the Legislature taking it up. I would just say stay tuned on that," he said, per WUSF.

Texas Republicans are currently attempting to pass a new congressional district map in the state, but have been stalled after Democrat lawmakers in the state fled, blocking the chamber from having the quorum needed to conduct business. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has set a deadline of August 8 for the Democrat lawmakers to return to Texas or face removal from office.

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