The new Florida congressional map includes redrawn South Florida boundaries:
District 21 - Ted Deutch
District 22 - Lois Frankel.
Deutch and Frankel have agreed to switch districts.
SOURCE: League of Women Voters
By Dan Moffett
After months of uncertainty over redistricting, a state Supreme Court ruling and a handshake between Democratic allies appear to have cleared up congressional boundaries for coastal constituents.
In a 5-2 opinion in December, the Florida Supreme Court signed off on a map for the 27 districts that was submitted by the Florida League of Women Voters and approved by Tallahassee Circuit Judge Terry Lewis in October.
Shortly after, U.S. Reps. Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton, and Lois Frankel, D-West Palm Beach, surprised many political pundits by agreeing to switch districts in the new configuration. Deutch, who currently represents congressional District 21, will run for the newly redrawn District 22 seat, as Frankel gives up District 22 and moves to the new District 21.
Confused? You probably should be. But here’s what it means for Palm Beach County’s coastal communities:
Deutch will represent Highland Beach and Boca Raton, with the rest of his district falling south into Broward County.
Frankel will represent an all-Palm Beach County district that includes Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, Gulf Stream, Briny Breezes, Ocean Ridge, Manalapan, South Palm Beach, Lantana and Hypoluxo.
Frankel, the former mayor of West Palm Beach, said the decision to move north was made easy because of her close allegiance with Deutch.
“I have deep respect for Ted Deutch’s tireless service to South Florida along with great affection for him as a friend. His decision to run in the new Broward-based seat reflects his long commitment to serving the community where he has worked and raised his family,” Frankel said in a statement.
“As the junior member of the South Florida delegation, I will honor his decision as I look to represent Palm Beach County in 2016. More importantly, Ted and I will remain focused on tackling the challenges of South Florida together, for as long as our constituents continue to elect us.”
Deutch lives west of Boca Raton in unincorporated Palm Beach County, a residence that actually sits in Frankel’s new district. House members are not required to live in their districts, however.
“Rep. Deutch will continue to maintain the strong connections he and his family have had for many years with Boca Raton and Highland Beach,” a spokeswoman said.
The new districts will be in effect for the November 2016 elections.
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