Several Jewish and pro‑Israel Democratic members of Congress could face tougher reelection battles under new district maps proposed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The plan, unveiled Monday, would significantly reduce the number of Democratic‑leaning districts in the state’s 28‑seat congressional delegation.
Brian Romick, president of Democratic Majority for Israel, denounced the proposal as “a blatant attempt to push out pro‑Israel Democratic champions in Congress.” He argued that the maps violate Florida’s constitutional ban on partisan gerrymandering and urged lawmakers to reject them. In contrast, the Republican Jewish Coalition dismissed the criticism as “faux outrage,” suggesting the changes would simply result in more pro‑Israel Republicans being elected.
The legislature, where Republicans hold a supermajority, must approve the maps before they take effect. Analysts caution that the move could backfire if Democrats gain momentum in upcoming elections, potentially flipping GOP‑held seats in South Florida.
DeSantis defended the plan in an interview with Fox News, saying Florida was “shortchanged in the 2020 Census” and now has a 1.5‑million Republican voter advantage. He argued that drawing districts based on race is unconstitutional. Critics, however, accuse him of secretly drafting partisan maps and bypassing public input.
The proposed changes could reshape districts represented by Jewish Democrats Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Lois Frankel, making them more favorable to Republicans. Rep. Jared Moskowitz’s district could be merged with Wasserman Schultz’s, potentially setting up a primary contest. Other Democratic incumbents, including Darren Soto and Kathy Castor, would also see their districts shift toward GOP control.
Jewish Democratic leaders, such as Richard Stark of the Florida Democratic Party Jewish Caucus and Haile Soifer of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, condemned the plan as an effort to silence pro‑Israel voices. Soifer warned that gerrymandering cannot erase voter dissatisfaction with Republicans, predicting the move may ultimately backfire.
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