redistricting

A state appeals court has upheld Gov. Ron DeSantis’ removal of North Florida’s only congressional district where Black voters could elect their candidate of choice.

The Florida First District Court of Appeal heard arguments from attorneys representing the state and voting rights groups on Tuesday over the constitutionality of Florida's congressional map.

Attorneys for voting rights groups and the state will present arguments over the constitutionality of Florida's congressional map before the state's First District Court of Appeal on Tuesday.

In one case, voting rights groups argue state officials dismantled a historically Black voting district. In the other, activists say city of Miami leaders created voting districts based solely on race.

Saying a congressional redistricting plan approved last year by lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis abolished a “race-based electoral monopoly,” attorneys for the state late Wednesday argued that an appeals court should overturn a circuit judge’s ruling that the plan violates the Florida Constitution.

The trial begins Tuesday morning. Several civil rights groups and voters are challenging the map. They argue that it intentionally discriminates against Black voters.

Seeking a final ruling before the legislative session starts in January, both sides in a battle over a congressional redistricting plan asked an appeals court Friday to fast-track the case to the Florida Supreme Court.

A state judge has struck down Florida’s congressional map after finding that the removal of an African American-performing district was unconstitutional.

Attorneys in the case presented arguments for and against maintaining the way U.S. House districts are drawn in North Florida during a hearing in state court on Thursday.

A Leon County circuit court judge will hear from attorneys on both sides of a lawsuit challenging Florida's congressional map on Thursday.