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Lake Worth, FL - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is requesting a federal review of the state’s 2020 census count, claiming inaccuracies may have cost Florida an additional congressional seat and Electoral College vote.
During a press conference on Wednesday, DeSantis explained that the state’s attorney general formally sent a letter to the U.S. Census Bureau and Congress, with a copy to the White House, asking for a correction.
“Please fix this and award Florida what we are entitled to, an extra seat in Congress,” DeSantis said, highlighting the steps the state is taking to address the issue.
If approved, the change would increase Florida’s congressional districts from 28 to 29, boosting the state’s representation in the House of Representatives and its Electoral College influence in future presidential elections.
The governor emphasized that the state is pursuing all available channels to have the census count reviewed and corrected.
The 2020 census determined congressional apportionment for all states based on population.
Florida’s official population count granted the state 28 seats.
Officials argue that population growth in certain areas may have been undercounted, which they say could justify an additional district.
The U.S. Census Bureau has previously stated that apportionment figures are based on the decennial count and cannot be adjusted outside of Congress.
Any change would require federal legislative approval, and legal experts note that the process is complex and faces significant procedural challenges.
If the request is granted, Florida would gain an extra seat in Congress and a corresponding Electoral College vote, increasing the state’s role in federal legislative decisions and national elections. Federal authorities have not yet responded to the request.