Virginia Voters Approve Democratic Redistricting Plan, Boosting Party's Midterm Prospects
Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing Democrats to redraw congressional districts, potentially gaining up to four additional U.S. House seats. The vote marks a significant counterattack to Republican redistricting efforts led by Trump in other states.
Democratic Victory at the Ballot Box
Virginia voters on Tuesday approved a Democratic redistricting plan that could allow the party to pick up as many as four new seats in the midterm elections. The new map could allow Democrats to win 10 out of the state's 11 congressional seats — up from the six the party currently controls.
Part of National Redistricting Battle
After Republicans enacted new maps last year in Texas, Missouri and North Carolina, Virginia offered a rare, seat-rich prize for Democrats — who control the redistricting process in fewer states — as they sought to respond.
Bypasses Bipartisan Commission
The constitutional amendment backed by voters bypasses a bipartisan redistricting commission to allow the use of new districts drawn by Virginia's Democratic-led General Assembly.
Legal Challenges Ahead
But the public vote may not be the final word. The state Supreme Court is considering whether the plan is illegal in a case that could make the referendum results meaningless.
Campaign Dynamics
In the last month, Republicans narrowed a massive 17-to-1 spending gap in the campaign to a 3-to-1 Democratic advantage, according to ad-tracking data from AdImpact.