Rep. Carlos G. Smith Votes Against Redistricting Map for Not Reflecting Latino Communities’ Growth

The representative said that in the past decade the Hispanic population has increased by 1.5 million, but that growth is not reflected in the new district maps.

While the Florida House voted 77-39 in favor of a new state House district map, Rep. Carlos G. Smith cast one of the opposing votes saying it leaves the Latino communities in Florida behind.

During his speech, Smith highlighted that the Latino community grew by 1.5 million in the past 10 years.

“We had 12 Hispanic-performing Latino districts 10 years ago and 12 Hispanic-performing districts now in this map, yet our community, nuestra comunidad, el pueblo grew more than any other,” Smith said.

Legislative districts are redrawn every 10 years after the census data is released. Since the process began last year, politicians like Smith and organizations like Alianza for Progress have been pointing out the importance of fair representation for the growing Latino communities in Florida.

The Senate must take a final vote on the maps before they become law for the 2022 election cycle.