House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that Florida Republicans’ plan to redraw congressional districts could backfire and strengthen Democrats instead. Speaking after recent Democratic wins in Florida and a new Virginia map that favors Democrats, Jeffries coined the term “dummymander” for redistricting that harms its authors. He also argued Texas is unlikely to net five GOP pickups and highlighted shifting Latino voter attitudes as a key factor. A Florida special legislative session on redistricting is expected next week.
Jeffries Warns Florida GOP Redraw Could Backfire, Calls It a ‘Dummymander’
Jeffries warns Florida GOP that new map will backfire: ‘F around and find out’
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) warned Wednesday that Republican plans to redraw Florida’s congressional map could produce the opposite of their intent — strengthening Democrats rather than the GOP.
Speaking to reporters in Washington from Democratic campaign offices, Jeffries pointed to a series of recent Democratic victories across Florida and challenged Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to move forward with redistricting if he believes it will help the GOP.
“Our message to Florida Republicans is, ‘F around and find out,’” Jeffries said.
Jeffries was celebrating Democratic momentum following a Virginia vote to approve a new congressional map that is expected to give Democrats 10 of the state’s 11 U.S. House seats (up from a current 6-5 advantage). He contrasted that result with a broader, nationwide push last year by former President Donald Trump urging Republican officials in several states to pursue mid-decade redistricting to shore up the party’s House majority.
Texas led that effort: Gov. Greg Abbott and the Republican-led legislature in Austin drew new lines intended to flip five Democratic seats. But Jeffries argued the political environment has shifted since those moves began — citing Trump’s approval rating below 40% and erosion of Republican support among Latino voters — and said Republicans are unlikely to take all targeted pickups.
“Under no circumstances are Texas Republicans picking up five seats,” Jeffries said. “They’ll be fortunate if they get two or three, while in California we are going to get all five.”
Jeffries coined the term “dummymander” to describe redistricting efforts that end up hurting the party that drew the lines. He predicted that a similar strategy in Florida would leave Republicans worse off, especially if lawmakers press ahead with changes during a special legislative session in Tallahassee next week.
To bolster his case, Jeffries highlighted three recent Florida wins by Democrats in areas long considered Republican strongholds:
- Miami mayor’s race — a Democratic victory for the first time since 1997
- A state Senate seat in the Tampa Bay area
- A state House seat that includes Mar-a-Lago, former President Trump’s resort
“The electoral tide is turning in Florida,” Jeffries said, noting that some members of Florida’s GOP House delegation have voiced concerns about how redistricting could dilute safe Republican districts. He welcomed that unease while daring Republicans to move forward.
“We agree,” Jeffries said. “But go ahead and make our day.”
The debate over mid-decade redistricting reflects broader national stakes for control of the U.S. House, with both parties watching how map changes and shifting voter coalitions — especially among Latino communities — will shape the 2026 midterm landscape.
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