Florida judge strikes down DeSantis-backed congressional map over concerns of diluting Black voting power

A Florida judge ruled Gov. Ron DeSantis' congressional redistricting map unconstitutional, saying it violates the state constitution.
The judge said the map diminishes the ability of Black voters in North Florida to choose their representative in Congress.
The ruling follows a pattern of judges striking down GOP-backed redistricting maps in Southern states over concerns about diluting minority voting power.
The decision will likely be appealed but could force the drawing of a new congressional map that creates districts more favorable to Democrats.
Voting rights groups that challenged the maps praised the ruling as a win against DeSantis' efforts to gerrymander districts to benefit Republicans.