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Virginia Dems Push Redistricting Amendment Amid GOP Lawsuit

10/30/2025

Summary

Democrats Advance Redistricting

The Virginia House of Delegates, controlled by Democrats, advanced a mid-decade redistricting amendment.
The measure would let lawmakers bypass the independent redistricting commission established in 2020.
Democrats say the change counters partisan gerrymandering by U.S. President Donald Trump in states such as Texas and North Carolina.
Republicans filed a lawsuit challenging the amendment's legality; the proposal requires further legislative approval and a statewide referendum.

Summary

Spanberger Postpones Primaries

Virginia's 2026 congressional elections will operate under the existing districts established in 2021.
Governor-elect Spanberger must sign laws to postpone the scheduled primaries for the proposed mid-decade redistricting constitutional amendment.
A statewide referendum is planned for April, but low turnout is a concern.
The court may prioritize maintaining the current election process over changes to the districts at this late stage.

History

Historical Context

In 2020, Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment establishing a bipartisan redistricting commission, responding to concerns over gerrymandering that had plagued states like Texas and North Carolina. The amendment, passed with 65.69% support, aimed to enhance electoral fairness and transparency. However, the commission struggled to agree on new maps, leading the Virginia Supreme Court to intervene in December 2021.

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Democrats Advance Redistricting

The Virginia House of Delegates, controlled by Democrats, advanced a mid-decade redistricting amendment.
The measure would let lawmakers bypass the independent redistricting commission established in 2020.
Democrats say the change counters partisan gerrymandering by U.S. President Donald Trump in states such as Texas and North Carolina.
Republicans filed a lawsuit challenging the amendment's legality; the proposal requires further legislative approval and a statewide referendum.

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