U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, now running for Governor, fully supports Gov. Ron DeSantis’ call to reapportion Congress.
“I support the Governor and I support the Legislature in what they’re going to do,” Donalds said about the impending Special Session on congressional redistricting that starts April 20.
Despite the state’s current map creating a 20-8 Republican advantage, the third-term Congressman from Naples argues that a revised map is necessary to counter efforts in Democratic-controlled states to create advantages for the other side.
He specifically mentioned a Virginia map creating a 10-1 edge for Democrats and the Illinois map that subjugates rural Republicans to Chicago Democrats to back up his claim. Donalds then blamed President Joe Biden for having “bungled the census on purpose.”
“Florida should have gotten two congressional seats, not just one. Two, New York should have lost some. California should have lost another one. So is it appropriate to look at actually the true movement of people in our country and say, you know what, we’re going to redistrict? Yes. I think it’s appropriate. And so I support Gov. DeSantis in what he’s doing,” Donalds said.
In backing the Governor, Donalds is at odds with many in the Florida delegation.
Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez, Greg Steube, and Daniel Webster are among those who worry that an aggressive map will put their seats in play.
Republicans cling to a 217-214 advantage in the current Congress. And with Democrats anticipating a potential wave election, GOP-controlled states like Florida are working to firm up where they can, even if some say it’s a risky play.
