SPLC-backed coalition sues Florida over new congressional map it alleges is an unconstitutional gerrymander

The 41-page lawsuit was filed by Common Cause, an ethics watchdog; the League of Women Voters of Florida; and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). The organizations allege the map violates the Fair Districts Amendment, which prohibits the Republican-controlled state legislature from drawing maps that favor a specific political party.

"The fact that this is a partisan gerrymander is as obvious as it is unconstitutional," said Bradley Heard, deputy legal director for the SPLC. "And while this unnecessary map is egregious in how it advantages Republicans and disadvantages Democrats, the people who will suffer the most if it is allowed to stand are once again Black and Brown communities, whose voices are consistently silenced in these redistricting battles. The SPLC will not allow this governor to turn back the clock on voting rights in Florida."

Fox News Digital has reached out to DeSantis' office for comment.

"We expect the courts to be the adults in the room and honor the Florida Constitution and the will of Florida voters."

The plaintiffs are asking a judge to declare the map unconstitutional and impose an injunction to prevent state officials from enacting it. Additionally, they want the state to reinstate the previous 2022 congressional map or order the adoption of a completely new redistricting plan that is compliant with the state constitution.

The SPLC is accused of paying $3 million to people associated with violent extremist groups - including the Ku Klux Klan, the National Socialist Movement, and the American Nazi Party - between 2014 and 2023.