Florida Census Statistical Method Challenge
University of South Florida College Republicans et al v. Lutnick et al
An anti-voting lawsuit seeking to block statistical methodologies used in the 2020 Census from being deployed in the 2030 Census.
Background
University of South Florida College Republicans and Pinellas County Young Republicans filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Census Bureau’s statistical methods used for the 2020 Census. Plaintiffs assert the Bureau improperly estimated populations in group housing and systematically distorted data by adding statistical errors to protect confidentiality. The lawsuit alleges the Bureau’s statistical methods were inaccurate and resulted in the dilution of representative power of lawful citizens. Plaintiffs argue violations of the U.S. Constitution and federal law, and seek to block the same statistical methods from being used in the 2030 Census.
Why It Matters
Plaintiffs’ claims represent broader GOP efforts to restrict use of statistical methods designed to account for people who are generally harder for the government to reach, including young, urban, immigrant, and lower-income individuals. Attacking these methods also advances GOP nationwide redistricting efforts designed to dilute representation of non-Republican voters.
Latest Updates
- Oct. 29, 2025: The district court asked parties to provide briefings on whether a three-judge panel should oversee the case.
- Oct. 28, 2025: The Alliance for Retired Americans and two University of Central Florida students seek to intervene as defendants.
- Sept. 15, 2025: Plaintiffs’ filed their complaint, and requested a three-judge panel.