DeSantis Delays Redistricting Special Session and Adds a Vaccine Bill

Florida Republicans postpone redrawing congressional maps, while the governor adds new agenda items focused on AI and medical freedom.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:39am

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A photorealistic painting of a Florida state capitol building in warm, golden sunlight, with deep shadows across the facade, conveying a sense of political tension and uncertainty.The Florida state capitol building stands alone, its grand architecture cast in an air of political uncertainty as lawmakers delay redrawing congressional districts.Today in Miami

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has delayed a special legislative session on redistricting, originally scheduled for next week, until the following week. DeSantis also added two new agenda items to the session - a bill aimed at protecting minors from artificial intelligence, and a 'medical freedom' bill that would provide a new way for students to opt out of certain vaccine requirements.

Why it matters

Florida and Virginia remain the last two major battlegrounds in the national redistricting war, as states jockey to redraw congressional maps for partisan gain ahead of the 2024 elections. DeSantis' move to delay and expand the special session agenda raises questions about the GOP's redistricting strategy in the state, especially as President Trump's polling numbers sag.

The details

DeSantis said the special session, originally scheduled for April 18-22, will now take place from April 28 to May 1. The governor asked lawmakers to return for up to four days. Some Republicans think mid-decade redistricting could result in up to five new favorable seats in Florida, though no potential new maps have been made public. Others fear redrawing the maps as Trump's popularity declines could end up costing some Republicans their seats, especially after Democrats won several recent special elections.

  • The special session was originally scheduled for April 18-22.
  • The special session will now take place from April 28 to May 1.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Republican governor of Florida who is delaying the redistricting special session and adding new agenda items.

Ben Albritton

The Republican president of the Florida state senate, who said his chamber is not drafting a redistricting map and expects the governor's office to share a proposed map.

Clay Yarborough

A Republican state senator who will file a bill to create a 'conscience exemption' from vaccine requirements for children in K-12 schools and authorize the over-the-counter sale of ivermectin.

Byron Donalds

A Republican U.S. Representative who is the front-runner in the race to succeed DeSantis, and who said Florida should redraw its maps to help Republicans keep control of Congress.

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What they’re saying

“Florida and Virginia remain the last two major battlegrounds in the national redistricting war that began last year, as states jostled to aggressively gerrymander for partisan gain in the November elections.”

— Patricia Mazzei, Lead reporter for The Times in Miami, covering Florida and Puerto Rico

“He also told the newspaper that he expected state lawmakers to comply with the Fair Districts amendments.”

— Byron Donalds, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The Florida Supreme Court is yet to issue an opinion on a pending decision regarding the Voting Rights Act, which could impact the redistricting process. The court's term ends in late June, and DeSantis has indicated he plans to push for new maps even if the court does not rule before the special session.

The takeaway

DeSantis' move to delay and expand the redistricting special session agenda highlights the high stakes and partisan jockeying around the redrawing of congressional maps in Florida, a key battleground state. The governor's actions raise concerns about potential gerrymandering, even as he claims to be following the state's Fair Districts amendments.