ACLU Sues DeSantis Over Delayed Special Elections for Vacant Florida Legislative Seats

The lawsuit alleges Florida's governor violated state law by failing to set election dates for two legislative vacancies, leaving thousands without representation.

• The ACLU filed a lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for not scheduling special elections for two vacant state legislative seats in House District 3 and Senate District 19.
• The lawsuit claims DeSantis's inaction violates his legal obligation under Florida law to promptly fill legislative vacancies through special elections.
• The two seats were vacated after state legislators Joel Rudman and Randy Fine resigned to run for congressional seats tied to President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration.
• The delay in scheduling elections could leave voters in the affected districts without representation for significant portions of the 2025 legislative session, which begins on March 4.
• The ACLU seeks a court order requiring DeSantis to set election dates immediately, arguing that past governors acted more swiftly in similar situations.

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