House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is encouraging Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to proceed with a redraw of the state’s congressional districts after a voter-approved redistricting measure in Virginia intensified national attention on map-drawing efforts ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Johnson said he sees no issue with Florida taking similar action, arguing the state has both the authority and political interest to pursue updated congressional lines. He rejected concerns that the move could create electoral risk for Republicans, telling reporters that if Florida leaders want to proceed, they should be allowed to do so.

The push comes as DeSantis has called lawmakers into a special legislative session beginning April 28 to consider new congressional maps. Republicans currently hold 20 of Florida’s 28 House seats, and any redraw would still need to comply with state constitutional limits that prohibit maps drawn to intentionally favor or disadvantage a political party.

Virginia’s recent voter-approved referendum to redraw congressional districts has further fueled redistricting activity nationwide, with Democrats expected to gain a stronger advantage in that state’s delegation. However, that effort has already faced legal resistance, including a Virginia court ruling that blocked certification of the referendum, citing constitutional concerns.

In Florida, DeSantis has pointed to both population growth and an anticipated U.S. Supreme Court decision related to the Voting Rights Act as factors shaping the timing of potential changes. He has argued the state should act proactively rather than wait for further federal court guidance.

Lawmakers are expected to convene next week, but the proposal faces both legal scrutiny and political division. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., said she would prefer to maintain current district boundaries but deferred to state leadership on the issue.

Florida House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell criticized the effort, arguing that partisan redistricting would not withstand legal challenges under the state constitution.

The outcome of Florida’s redistricting debate is expected to play a significant role in shaping the balance of power in the U.S. House as both parties pursue competing map strategies across multiple states.