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Driskell -
The Governor’s map was unconstitutional and I voted NO in condemnation of his efforts to diminish black representation in Congress. The Governor’s interference in the redistricting process should have caused alarm bells to go off for our members and all Floridians as it was an overreach in violation of the separation of powers, which is fundamental to the health of our democracy and success of our Florida state government.
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Hart -
I voted against these maps because I remember being 10 years old and having to use the back entrance because of my skin color. I understand how important it is to have African American representation in the halls of congress. The lived experience is necessary to create policy that is reflective and inclusive of all citizens. This Legislature has become afraid of political retaliation and Governor DeSantis and have bowed to him and have allowed for Black Representation to be cut in half. We as a legislature must do our jobs and draw maps that are fair as the people would have it. We should not allow a Governor to hijack the process and bully the legislature by creating the map he wants in order to protect Republican advantage and disenfranchise Black voters.
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Valdés -
I believe this map unconstitutionally deprives black residents in North Florida of the opportunity to elect a representative of their choice by cracking a protected minority district. Similarly, the voting power of minority voters in Tampa Bay area is diluted by packing South St. Petersburg's predominantly African American neighborhoods in with Tampa, which requires the district to laboriously cross miles of open water. This packed district severely distorts the voting preferences of Tampa Bay residents. As legislators, we swear an oath to uphold the Constitution, including the Fair Districts Amendments passed overwhelmingly by Florida voters in 2020, and I believe upholding that oath requires me to vote no.