New Base Congressional Maps Imply Political Shakeup on the Horizon

The special legislative session to redraw Florida's congressional districts is only a few short days away, but a newly released set of base maps already shows Democrats have a strong possibility of benefiting the most from the redrawn districts.

The proposed base maps were sent in an email Monday. Although the maps aren't final, even the current proposals show the beginnings of a big shakeup for several congressional districts.

Democrats stand to gain seats from several of the changes in the congressional maps. 

Data consultant Matthew Isbell told reporters Wednesday there were several preliminary winners and losers from the redrawing. 

Some Republicans, like U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, R-Fla., could find their jobs in jeopardy if the redistricting pans out like the base map.

Isbell said Webster's district, which currently covers most of Lake County and parts of Polk and Orange counties, is set to change into heavier Democratic representation, jumping from anywhere with 47 percent supporting Obama in 2012 to 60 percent supporting Obama.

But even Democrats weren't immune from the changeups. U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, who was one of the state's more successful Democrats in 2014, should be shaking in her boots. 

Her district is set to change to be heavily Republican. 

"Even if she were to, say, move and try to run in another district like CD 5, she would be running in a district that's heavily African-American," said Isbell, noting most in that district would be from Jacksonville, and not Tallahassee, where Graham has roots. 

But not all hope is lost for Democrats, especially those who might be trying to make yet another play for public office. A big winner from the proposal? Former Gov. Charlie Crist, who said he would consider a run depending on how the redistricting panned out.

"Crist definitely has a good shot at picking up that district," said Isbell.

Isbell also placated concerns that U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown's seat would be in jeopardy. Brown called the ruling requiring the redisricting "seriously flawed" and hasn't ruled out a federal lawsuit. 

"She should be fine, she should be completely fine," said Isbell. 

Check out the full map with a geographical breakdown here.