Redrawn Congressional maps may change face of Florida politics

The Florida Legislature is expected to sign off on new Congressional maps for the state after months of debate and court battles.

The changes could fundamentally reshape the face of Florida politics, political analysts said.

U.S. Rep. Allen West, a Republican who currently serves in District 22, said he would run in the newly created District 18, which includes parts of northern Palm Beach County and most of Martin and St. Lucie counties.

Former West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel, a Democrat, was expected to challenge West in District 22.

Instead, Broward accountant Democrat Patrick Murphy was expected to challenge her.

U.S. Rep. Adam Hasner, a Republican, said he would challenge both.

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, a Republican, said he would run in the new District 17, which runs from the western parts of the Treasure Coast, through Okeechobee to near Tampa.

Rooney said the change was a big deal.

"You'll see on the news some of these big fights on policy issues and certainly, whether you're Republican or Democrat, you're paying attention. You're voting for people for those reasons. But it's the little things.

Nominating people to the service academy. Or, helping with the veterans benefits. Or the veterans hospitals issues," he said.

The Florida legislature is expected to approve the redrawn maps this month.