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May 6, 2026
Hey Florida Rising Fam,
Florida is once again at the center of a fight over who holds power, and this time, it’s unfolding in a way most people don’t expect.
In a highly unusual move, state lawmakers just approved new congressional maps in the middle of the decade. Redistricting typically happens once every ten years, immediately after the census. Instead, these maps were pushed through during a special session called by Ron DeSantis, amid pressure from national Republican leadership, including Donald Trump.
The outcome is significant. The new map could give Republicans four additional seats in Congress while cutting Democratic representation in half, dropping from eight seats to four.
What makes this especially concerning is that Florida’s Constitution explicitly prohibits drawing districts to favor one party over another. The Fair Districts amendment was designed to prevent exactly this kind of political manipulation. Mid-decade redistricting is rare. And when it’s done to tilt the scales for partisan advantage, it is illegal in Florida.
At its core, this is about more than lines on a map. It is about who has a voice in decisions that shape our schools, our housing, our healthcare, and our future – and who is left out of those decisions.
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How We’re Responding, and How You Can be Part of It
Join us for our second Expanding Democracy Campaign Committee [[link removed]] where you'll be learning about how Florida Rising is protecting democracy, have an opportunity to get involved in our campaigns and learn about our Election Protection Program for the upcoming midterm elections. We are holding this virtual space quarterly via zoom and are inviting all Florida Rising members that are interested in Democracy, Voting Rights and Protecting our access to the ballot.
Sign Up Here: Expanding Democracy Campaign Committee [[link removed]]
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From the Streets to the Capitol: Floridians are Showing Up
Last week, hundreds of advocates from across the state mobilized in Tallahassee for a Voting Rights Rally that brought together community members, coalition partners, elected officials, and media.
Alongside organizations like Equal Ground, Common Cause, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, Florida Rising helped lead a coordinated push to try and stop an illegal redistricting effort spearheaded by Republican lawmakers. The day began with a rally that drew hundreds of supporters and continued inside the Capitol, where advocates delivered public testimony in both the House and Senate.
This moment reflects months of sustained organizing, from calls and emails to lawmakers to consistent media pressure and public education. It has also included targeted outreach to Latino communities through Spanish-language media to ensure more people are informed, engaged, and able to take action. Although we didn't get the outcome we demanded, we showed that Floridians are watching and willing to fight for their democracy.
What’s Happening Nationally Matters Here at Home
Florida is not alone. Redistricting battles are playing out across the country, and recent legal decisions are raising the stakes even further.
In Callais v. Louisiana, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with arguments that could weaken protections for Black voters under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, a key safeguard against racial discrimination in voting.
While this ruling does not change Florida’s Fair Districts amendment, it has already been used by DeSantis and others to justify actions like the ones we are seeing now. It is a reminder that the fight for fair representation is happening at every level, and that decisions made elsewhere can quickly shape what happens here.
If you want to stay informed and better understand how these legal decisions impact our communities, stay tuned for our weekly What’s the Verdict email and social media series, where we break down the latest developments and what they mean in practice.
Florida’s future should be shaped by its people, not decided behind closed doors. What is happening right now will have lasting consequences, and it will take all of us paying attention and taking action to ensure that our democracy works for everyone.
What You Can Do
Stay connected, stay informed, stay engaged…. AND stay tuned for next week’s Tea in Tally.
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🧡 Together, we can keep Florida’s future bright, sustainable, and resilient.
In Solidarity, [[link removed]]
Moné Holder
Chief Advocacy & Political Officer
Florida Rising
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10800 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33161
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10800 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33161
United States