The decision reversed a circuit court judge’s decision as the battle over redistricting continues.

According to The Hill, Florida’s 1st District Court of Appeals ruled that the circuit court judge’s temporary injunction against the map had “a high likelihood” of being “unlawful.”

Last week, circuit court Judge Layne Smith ruled against the map, saying, “I am finding the enacted map is unconstitutional under the Fair District Amendment because it diminishes African Americans’ ability to elect candidates of their choice.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) approved a map that broke up a district spanning from Tallahassee to Jacksonville which is historically majority black.

The state appealed that decision which was quickly overturned by the First District.

The executive office of the governor praised the ruling in a statement, saying, “We’re pleased with the First District Court of Appeal’s decision to reinstate the automatic stay.”

“To avoid uncertainty and confusion in the upcoming 2022 primary and general elections, it’s important to move forward expeditiously to implement the congressional map passed by the legislature and signed by the governor.”

Representative Al Lawson (D), who currently holds the seat of the district in question, said he is “confident that the Florida Supreme Court will soon take over this issue and protect the rights of Black voters in North Florida.”

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