PRESS RELEASES
The latest in Florida redistricting.
A judge appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis has cleared the way for Florida to use its new congressional map — drawn by DeSantis’ office — in the 2026 midterm elections, despite what plaintiffs called “staggering” evidence that it violates the state’s voter-approved ban on partisan gerrymandering.
In his order, Judge Joshua Hawkes of Florida’s Second Circuit Court concluded that, pulled between the state’s ban on partisan gerrymanders and the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection guarantees, “it seems clear that the potential partisan intent in the 2026 map is the lesser of the two evils.”
Pro-voting plaintiffs in the case have appealed the decision to the state court of appeals
New state NAACP leaders meet in Daytona Beach
Florida NAACP State Leaders posed in front of the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune statue on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University.
The Florida State Conference NAACP held its new officers’ leadership retreat on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Center for Civic Engagement on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach.
Led by the newly elected Florida State Conference President Donald Hart of Indian River, he stated that the leadership retreat is designed to provide NAACP leaders with dedicated time away from daily distractions to focus on strategic planning, team building, professional devel- opment and personal reflection.
Florida NAACP Conference Sues
Gov. DeSantis to Extend Voter Registration!
Immediate Release: October 09, 2024
Contact: To make Press Center inquiries, email press@splcenter.org
Today, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) announced emergency litigation on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Florida (LWVFL) and the NAACP Florida State Conference (FL NAACP) to reopen the voter registration period in Florida. This motion comes after Gov. Ron DeSantis failed to extend the Oct. 7 deadline, which fell between hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“The Florida State Conference of the NAACP is proud to lead the charge in calling on Florida’s election officials to extend the voter registration deadline,” said Adora Obi Nweze, president of FL NAACP. “As millions of residents grapple with the devastating impacts of Helene, and prepare to face Hurricane Milton, it is imperative that our state leadership meets this moment. A failure to extend the registration deadline has the potential to stifle millions of voices in one of our nation’s most pivotal elections. Times of crisis call for concrete actions. We won’t stop fighting for the tools that are necessary to ensure proper turnout.” NAACP President Derrick Johnson at the NAACP National Convention in Boston on July 28
By: The head of the NAACP is calling on Black student-athletes to reconsider their decisions to attend public colleges and universities in Florida, challenging a new state policy that bars those institutions from using government funds on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
NAACP issues travel advisory alleging, Florida 'hostile to African Americans' - ABC News (go.com)
The national NAACP Board of Directors has issued a formal advisory against traveling to Florida, alleging the state has become “hostile toward African Americans” under the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
By: Bill Hutchinson, May 21, 2023, 2:29 PM.
Federal Court Rejects NAACP, Common Cause Call to Halt Unfair FL Voting Map
TALLAHASSEE, FL — Last week, a federal court in Florida ruled that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ congressional map that intentionally silences Black voters can remain in place for the 2024 election. The case,Common Cause Florida v. Byrd, which the Florida State Conference of the NAACP was a plaintiff in, stems from the 2022 congressional map DeSantis forced through the legislature in a discriminatory process that robbed Black Floridians of fair representation in Washington.
Press Release: April 3, 2024
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org