Democratic Black Caucus of Florida Denounces Supreme Court  4 to 1 Ruling, Which Declined to Imposed a Stay on DeSantis -Backed Redistricting Map

By Louis C Ward

      Trevor Mallory, President of the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida(DBCF) and its 28 local chapters vehemently disapproved of the recent Florida Supreme Court decision virtually upholding Governor Ron DeSantis’ redistricting map Friday, June 3, 2022.

The conservative court’s decision with justices ruling 4 to 1 stated:  “At this time, this Court does not have the jurisdiction over this matter.”

In essence, this ruling prepares a clear path for the DeSantis drawn redistricting map to be used in the November 2022’s midterm election, affording Republicans an advantage despite overwhelming opposition from the state’s Democrats, African Americans, and voting rights organizations ,” a visibly discontented President Mallory said about the June 2 decision by the Supreme Court.

“This is an unfair attack on Democrats and Black voters in the state because it provides an advantage to Republicans, affording them a potential 20 to 8 congressional seats for Republicans in the midterm election,” emphasized President Mallory. “The GOP influenced Florida Legislature’s political move is unprecedented and illegal because it dismantles the Florida U.S. Congressional seat held by Representative Al Lawson, scatters 370,000 African American voters,  and splits his district into four Republican leaning districts.”

“We need our midterm election to be fair and equal for Florida voters.  DeSantis redistricting map reeks of “intentional discrimination” and violations against Florida’s Fair District provisions or anti-gerrymandering amendments in the state’s constitution,” continued President Mallory, who vows to partner with organizations to work diligently to “Defeat DeSantis in 2022”.

“In all fairness to Florida’s voters, DeSantis’ redistricting map all but guarantees an unfair midterm election.  The DBCF, voting rights groups and civil organizations refused to sit back and accept the GOP’s unethical methods to win in November.  We will continue to fight for justice against  Governor DeSantis who constantly chooses injustice.”

President Mallory said, “DeSantis must be sent packing in November.  DeSantis chooses injustice against Floridians when he attempts to intimidate voters with an election police force dedicated to pursuing voter fraud. DeSantis chose injustice when he signed his anti-rioting bill.  DeSantis is killing Democracy in Florida.  We must “Defeat DeSantis in November 2022!”

The DBCF, created in 1981, is composed of 27 local chapters throughout the state, “is an integral part of the Florida Democratic Party’s infrastructure, which unites talent with opportunity to facilitate voter turnout and identify qualified Black Democrats to run for office.”