The White House is already plotting its response to a major Democratic Party victory where Virginia voters elected to adopt a new congressional district map that could flip as many as four seats, but “even some of [President Donald] Trump’s closest allies” are “worried” that the plan could “backfire” spectacularly, Politico reported Wednesday.
Tuesday night, Virginia voters approved a new congressional district map for the state that could flip as many as four Republican-controlled seats, a referendum that was launched in response to Trump’s redistricting push he pushedlast year to bolster Republicans’ election prospects for the upcoming midterm elections.
As Democrats’ victory became apparent Tuesday night, former White House spokesperson Harrison Fields, who served as Trump’s special assistant last year before resigning to join a conservative lobbying firm, pitched what he believed Republicans’ response should be: initiate redistricting in Florida to benefit Republicans.
“To my friends in Tallahassee: in a state that is ruby red, it’s time to respond to what we saw tonight in Virginia with a redistricting plan that reflects Florida’s true partisan lean – and adds 3-4 GOP seats to our supermajority,” Fields wrote in a social media post, tagging Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican figures.
“Virginia is a purple state being drawn as deep blue. Florida should draw a map that’s even redder – and get it passed ASAP.”
The proposal, however, has already sparked “concern” among Republicans, Politico reported, particularly given the recent off-year Democratic election victories in the state.
“Recent special elections in South Florida (including one in Palm Beach itself) offered up eye-catching Democratic wins and overperformances, raising fears among some Republicans that redistricting could backfire,” Politico reported.
“Even some of Trump’s closest allies in Florida are worried. MAGA influencer Laura Loomer – who famously has the president on speed dial – told [Politico] this month that with DeSantis moving forward with redistricting, ‘he’s going to take away from the strongholds.’”