A Florida court is reviewing allegations that Republicans racially gerrymandered two state senate districts in Tampa Bay to weaken Black voting power. The ACLU of Florida argued last week that the redrawn maps violate the Constitution by artificially separating minority voters.
One district connects parts of St. Petersburg and Tampa—cities on opposite sides of a 10-mile bay—leaving remaining areas “artificially white,” attorneys said. “Manatees don’t vote,” said ACLU attorney Caroline McNamara, dismissing claims that water makes the district contiguous.
The case echoes Ron DeSantis‘s 2022 congressional redistricting, which cut Black-majority districts in North Florida. Although DeSantis didn’t oversee the state senate maps directly, critics say his policies foster voter suppression.
Sen. Darryl Rouson (D), who represents the contested district, must maintain offices in both cities and drive through another district to reach constituents. Voter Keto Nord Hodges testified he rarely sees Rouson in Tampa.
The three-judge panel will decide whether Florida must redraw its 16th and 18th senate districts. The ruling could significantly impact political representation across the region.
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