DeSantis Redistricting Shifts Central Florida District 9 Toward Republicans

Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a new congressional map in April 2026 that alters 21 of Florida’s 28 House districts. The change directly impacts District 9, a seat currently held by Democratic Rep. Darren Soto of Kissimmee. The district now spans a larger geographic area stretching from Orlando into the central part of the state.

The new boundaries for District 9 include parts of Orange, Polk, and Osceola counties, which were previously in the district. The map also adds Indian River, Okeechobee, Highlands, and Glades counties to the district’s footprint. This expansion changes the political makeup of the area.

The University of Virginia Center for Politics rates the newly drawn district as “likely Republican.” That classification suggests the seat may shift party control in the next election. The district’s voting history shows a move away from Democratic preferences.

In the 2024 presidential election, the new district boundaries voted 58 percent for Donald Trump and 41 percent for Kamala Harris. In 2020, the area voted 53 percent for Trump and 46 percent for Joe Biden. Soto has represented the district since the last redistricting cycle.

Soto will face Republican Dan Green in the race for the U.S. House seat. The two candidates are the only ones listed for the District 9 congressional election. The next general election will determine whether the seat flips to the Republican Party.