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NewsFlorida PoliticsMay 5, 2026Florida

Rep. Darren Soto Challenges New Florida Congressional Map in Court

U.S. Representative Darren Soto is challenging a new Florida congressional map that significantly alters his district's boundaries, arguing it is an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander. Despite the map shifting the district from a Democratic-leaning area to one that favored Donald Trump in 2024, Soto intends to run for re-election in the new district.

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Read the full story at Florida Politics

Why It Matters

The redrawn map for Florida's 9th Congressional District changes the district's partisan composition and geographic reach, directly impacting the electoral landscape for incumbent Darren Soto and his constituents in the upcoming election.

Key Facts

  • Governor Ron DeSantis enacted a new congressional map that splits the Puerto Rican constituency of CD 9 into five separate districts.
  • The new map combines Kissimmee and Moore Haven into the same constituency.
  • Under the new boundaries, the district's 2024 presidential voting preference shifted from 51.2% for Kamala Harris to 58.2% for Donald Trump.
  • Three lawsuits have been filed in Leon County circuit court challenging the constitutionality of the new map.
  • Darren Soto argues the map is an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander that violates the Florida Constitution's Fair Districts amendment.
  • The Purcell principle is being cited by sources close to the Governor as a potential legal basis to delay redistricting challenges until after the election.
  • Darren Soto reported $833,000 in cash on hand at the end of March 2024.
  • Republican candidate Thomas Chalifoux has self-funded $2.3 million for his campaign.
  • The new district boundaries now include rural areas in the Florida Heartland and Indian River County, while losing parts of Orlando and Kissimmee.

Who's Mentioned

personRicky Booth“Osceola County Commissioner and potential candidate.”personMike de la Rosa“Former state Representative.”organizationNational Republican Congressional Committee“Organization targeting Soto's seat.”personThomas Chalifoux“Republican candidate who previously ran against Soto.”locationFlorida's 9th Congressional District“The district currently represented by Darren Soto.”organizationFlorida Supreme Court“State judicial body overseeing legal challenges.”personDarren Soto“Democratic U.S. Representative for Florida's 9th Congressional District.”personJason Fischer“Former state Representative.”personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who enacted the new congressional map.”