Republicans scrambled Wednesday after Virginia voters approved a new House map that could hand Democrats up to four additional seats. The defeat followed a year‑long, $100‑million showdown that began in Texas at President Trump's urging. GOP leaders now hope the Virginia Supreme Court will overturn the vote while eyeing a fresh map in Florida, where they control the governor's office and both legislative chambers.

In Tallahassee, Gov. Ron DeSantis called for a special redistricting session, but has yet to unveil a proposal. Any Florida map would face immediate litigation, and analysts warn that packing Republican voters could backfire by thinning support in competitive districts. Pollster John Couvillon described the plan as “risky” amid a volatile national environment.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court is weighing a challenge to a Voting Rights Act provision that bars racial gerrymandering. A ruling could empower states, including Florida, to redraw maps before the midterms. With the court’s term ending in late June, the timing could force parties to race against primary schedules, leaving little margin for strategic adjustments.