Ron DeSantis ‘How many seats would California lose if you only counted legal citizens - A lot’

Ron DeSantis questions census fairness and warns California would lose seats if only legal citizens were counted

In a bold statement targeting what he sees as a political manipulation of census data, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reignited debate over the legitimacy of congressional representation based on populations that include illegal immigrants. DeSantis suggested that California, as a sanctuary state, has gained congressional seats unfairly by counting individuals who are not legally authorized to be in the United States.

Speaking on the potential of conducting a new census before the constitutionally scheduled 2030 count, DeSantis made it clear that only legal residents should be included. “How many seats would California lose if you only counted legal citizens?” he asked, before answering: “A lot.” According to DeSantis, states like Florida would benefit from a corrected count because, as he said, “we don’t spend money trying to count illegals, because I don’t believe that’s constitutionally correct.”

The governor’s remarks align with growing concern among conservatives that the current census structure gives disproportionate power to Democrat-controlled states. Congressional seats and federal funding are allocated based on total population — which includes both citizens and non-citizens, regardless of immigration status. Critics argue this distorts fair representation and undermines the voice of actual citizens.

DeSantis also pointed to a potential move by a future Trump administration to conduct a census that excludes non-citizens — a move that would almost certainly be challenged in court. “That’s really what the Founding Fathers intended,” DeSantis said. “They never imagined a president would intentionally allow so many people into the country with no rule of law.”

He didn’t stop there. DeSantis cast doubt on the accuracy and integrity of the 2020 Census, noting how Rhode Island was expected to lose a seat — but didn’t. “Turns out, during the Biden administration, who was the Secretary of Commerce? The former governor of Rhode Island. Isn’t that interesting?” he remarked pointedly.

The governor’s comments shed light on the Republican frustration with what they see as a politically weaponized census process. DeSantis has long championed strong immigration enforcement and a representation system that reflects only those legally allowed to shape America’s future. As concerns over border security and national sovereignty continue to rise, his message resonates with a growing number of voters.

In a political climate where even population counts are grounds for controversy, DeSantis’s stance is poised to become a central issue in upcoming elections. Whether a new census proposal moves forward or is ultimately decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, the question remains: Should congressional power be based on citizenship — or unchecked migration?

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