TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The balance of power in Florida, and maybe even in Washington, lies in the hands of 160 state lawmakers who have already begun the process to redraw congressional and legislative boundaries.
Redistricting is inherently political, as any change in the lines can mean the difference between winning or losing a U.S. House or legislative seat. That’s especially true in Florida, a historic swing state whose constant population surges mean the 2020 U.S. Census data used to capture the changes will reshuffle the political calculus.
The stakes are high. Democrats hold a slender 220-212 advantage on the U.S. House over Republicans, so a map that helps elect one or two more Republicans could help push the GOP over the top to control the chamber after the 2022 midterm elections.
