Virginia approves new map

Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment on April 21 that clears the way for a new congressional map before the 2026 midterms. (elections.virginia.gov) With about 97% of the vote counted, the measure was ahead 51.5% to 48.5%, and the Associated Press called it at 5:49 p.m. on election night. The statewide vote stood at roughly 1.58 million “yes” votes to 1.49 million “no” votes in WTOP’s results page on April 22. (wtop.com) The amendment temporarily shifts map-drawing power from Virginia’s bipartisan redistricting commission to the General Assembly if another state redraws its districts before 2031. The Virginia Department of Elections said the authority would last until October 31, 2030, and then return to the commission for the next regular cycle in 2031. (elections.virginia.gov) Democrats had already passed a proposed map tied to the amendment, and Reuters reported it could move Virginia’s 11-seat House delegation from a 6-5 split to a 10-1 Democratic advantage. Reuters also said the plan targets four Republican-held seats in November. (usnews.com) The vote lands in the middle of a national redistricting fight that began after Texas Republicans redrew their own map last summer. Reuters said Democrats now see Virginia as a way to offset those Republican gains ahead of a House election in which they need three seats to win the chamber. (usnews.com) Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger campaigned for the amendment, while President Donald Trump urged voters to reject it on Election Day. Reuters reported both parties and allied outside groups spent tens of millions of dollars on the fight, with the main pro-amendment group raising $64.1 million through April 13 and the leading opposition group raising nearly $20 million. (usnews.com) Republicans moved quickly to challenge the result in court, arguing the referendum was unlawful. CNBC reported that Tazewell County Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley issued an order on April 22 blocking the referendum result and barring the state from changing districts or voter records based on the vote. (cnbc.com) Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones said the state would appeal immediately, calling the ruling an attempt by “an activist judge” to override the electorate. The Virginia Supreme Court was already expected to hear arguments after the election, so the map fight now shifts from the ballot box to the courts. (cnbc.com)