Attorneys for Secretary of State Laurel Lee objected Monday to the possibility of Gov. Ron DeSantis being added as a defendant in a federal lawsuit challenging a new congressional redistricting plan.
In March, voting-rights groups and other plaintiffs filed the lawsuit as DeSantis and state lawmakers were at an impasse about a redistricting map.
The initial version of the lawsuit requested a federal court to step in and set districts. But the Legislature in an April special session passed a DeSantis-backed redistricting plan.
The plaintiffs, who contend the new plan is unconstitutional, requested approval from a three-judge federal panel to file an amended lawsuit.
In Monday’s filing, Lee’s attorneys did not take a position on whether an amended lawsuit could be filed. But they objected to the possibility of the plaintiffs trying to add DeSantis as a defendant.
They contended that Lee is the proper defendant as she is the state’s chief election officer.
Visit Tampafp.com for Politics, Tampa Area Local News, Sports, and National Headlines. Support journalism by clicking here to our GoFundMe or sign up for our free newsletter by clicking here.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook Here Or Twitter Here.
