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  • Redistricting

Equal Ground Education Fund, Inc v. Byrd

5.4.2026
  • Florida
  • Ongoing

Plaintiffs supported by the National Redistricting Foundation (NRF) initiated a legal challenge against Florida’s newly enacted congressional gerrymander. The lawsuit, Equal Ground Education Fund, Inc. v. Byrd, includes the organizational plaintiff, Equal Ground Education Fund, Inc., and individual Florida voters, and challenges Governor Ron DeSantis’ 2026 mid-decade map as a violation of the Florida Constitution’s Fair Districts Amendments. Plaintiffs allege the plan was intentionally drawn to favor Republicans and disfavor Democrats, to target Democratic incumbents, and to defy the constitutional requirements of compactness and respect for existing political and geographic boundaries. The complaint detailed how the map fractures and packs diverse communities across key regions of the state to eliminate competitive and Democratic districts.

The circuit court denied plaintiffs’ motion for declaratory and injunctive relief, which asked the court to invalidate the 2026 plan, to enjoin its use, and either to reinstate the 2022 map or to require the adoption of a constitutionally compliant replacement. Plaintiffs appealed the motion for temporary injunctive relief to Florida’s First District Court of Appeal and also filed a request that that motion be certified for immediate resolution by the Florida Supreme Court. The appellate court denied plaintiffs’ motion for “pass-through” certification to the state supreme court and has yet to rule on plaintiffs’ motion for temporary injunctive relief. In an effort to seek relief prior to the 2026 elections, the Equal Ground plaintiffs filed a petition with the Florida Supreme Court to maintain the use of the 2022 map while the case continues to be litigated. A decision is pending.

Case Documents