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Virginia congressional map vote could embolden Florida Republicans to push for boundary changes, says Jeffries – US politics live
TL;DR
Virginia voters approved new congressional maps that may encourage Florida Republicans to pursue similar changes. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that this could impact the GOP's efforts to gain more seats.
Key points
- Virginia voters approved new congressional maps
- Maps intended to boost Democrats' chances
- Florida Republicans may consider similar changes
- Governor Ron DeSantis plans a special session
- GOP could gain up to three more seats
Mentioned in this story
House of RepresentativesHakeem JeffriesRon DeSantisVirginiaFlorida
Hello and welcome to the US politics live blog.
The vote to approve new congressional maps in Virgina could embolden Florida’s Republican-controlled state assembly to consider tit-for-tat changes to its own map, the House Democratic leader has said.
Voters in Virginia on Tuesday approved new congressional maps intended to boost Democrats’ chances of retaking the House of Representatives, in the latest blow to Donald Trump’s effort to use mid-decade redistricting to preserve his control of Congress.
Republican governor Ron DeSantis has called into a special session beginning next month to consider changes in Florida, meaning the GOP could pick up as many as three more seats depending on how the legislature draws the boundaries.
Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said Tuesday’s result in Virginia should serve as a warning to DeSantis. He wrote in a statement:
double quotation markIf Florida Republicans proceed with this illegal scheme, they will only create more prime-pick up opportunities for Democrats.
We are prepared to take them all on, and we are prepared to win.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, April 16, 2026. Photograph: José Luis Magaña/AP
The tit-for-tat redistricting battle began last year after Trump pressed Texas’s Republican-controlled legislature to redraw that state’s congressional maps in a bid to oust as many as five Democratic House lawmakers in the November midterm elections.
Q&A
How could Virginia's congressional map vote affect Florida's redistricting efforts?
Virginia's approval of new congressional maps may inspire Florida Republicans to consider changes to their own maps, potentially increasing their congressional seats.
What are the implications of the new congressional maps in Virginia?
The new maps in Virginia are designed to enhance Democrats' chances of regaining control of the House of Representatives.
Who is Hakeem Jeffries and what did he say about the Virginia vote?
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Democratic leader who stated that the Virginia vote should serve as a warning to Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis regarding potential redistricting changes.
What changes is Florida's Republican governor proposing for the congressional map?
Governor Ron DeSantis has called a special session to consider congressional map changes in Florida, which could allow the GOP to gain up to three additional seats.
