House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during a Fox News Digital interview Thursday, escalating tensions as a national fight over congressional redistricting continues to develop ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, as reported [1] by Fox News.
Jeffries responded after DeSantis publicly invited him to Florida following remarks the Democratic leader made earlier in the week, warning Republicans about redistricting efforts. The governor extended the invitation during a news conference in Kissimmee, Florida, offering to cover travel costs and host Jeffries at the governor’s mansion.
“Please. Be my guest. I will pay for you to come down to Florida to campaign,” DeSantis said. “I’ll put you up in the Florida governor’s mansion. We will take you fishing. We’ll do all this stuff. There’s nothing that could be better for Republicans in Florida than to see Jeffries, Hakeem Jeffries, everywhere around this state.”
Hakeem Jeffries campaigning in Florida would be an early Christmas gift for Republicans in Florida.
Happy to roll out the red carpet! https://t.co/bAl6hZfQcS [2]
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) April 22, 2026 [3]
Jeffries dismissed the invitation and criticized DeSantis’ leadership, suggesting the governor’s redistricting strategy could create political challenges for Republicans in the state.
“Ron DeSantis is putting his own congressional delegation in jeopardy, which probably shouldn’t be surprising because all of them, as I understand it, can’t stand the charismatically challenged lame-duck governor of Florida,” Jeffries said.
The exchange comes as both parties are engaged in efforts to redraw congressional districts across multiple states. Jeffries pointed to similar developments in Texas, where Republicans have proposed a map that could shift several Democratic-held seats.
“Our message to Florida Republicans is F around and find out,” Jeffries said. “If they go down the road of a DeSantis dummymander, the Florida Republicans are gonna find themselves in the same situation as Texas Republicans, who are on the run right now.”
Jeffries added, “Under no circumstances are Texas Republicans picking up five seats. They’ll be fortunate if they get two or three. While in California, we are going to get all five.”
The Democratic leader also argued that the broader redistricting battle is ongoing and could impact the balance of power in the House.
“The Republicans are dummy-mandering their way into the minority before a single vote is cast, because they started this war, and we’re going to finish it,” Jeffries said.
Rep. Jeffries “Our message to Florida Republicans is F around and find out. If they go down the road of a DeSantis ‘dummymander’, the Florida Republicans are going to find themselves in the same situation as Texas Republicans.” pic.twitter.com/RlNH0OH4Kp [5]
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) April 22, 2026 [6]
The redistricting push has been unfolding nationwide, with several states moving forward with updated congressional maps. The effort gained momentum following a push initiated by President Donald Trump.
In Florida, DeSantis recently called a special session focused on congressional maps, stating they would “accurately reflect the population of our state.” The state’s constitution prohibits maps that favor one political party over another.
Eight Democratic-held districts in Florida are subject to potential redrawing. Republicans currently hold 20 congressional seats in the state, while Democrats hold eight.
The issue has also surfaced in Virginia, where voters approved a congressional redistricting referendum backed by Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger. The measure passed Tuesday, marking a development that could influence the midterm landscape.
President Trump urged Virginia voters to reject what he described as a “blatant partisan power grab” before the referendum vote.
As of now, Florida officials have not released a finalized redistricting plan, and the outcome of ongoing efforts in multiple states is expected to shape the political environment leading into the 2026 elections.