Story perspectives

Virginia Advances Amendment to Combat GOP Gerrymandering

11/1/2025

Summary

Story summary

Virginia's Democratic-led legislature advances a constitutional amendment to allow mid-decade congressional redistricting before 2026 elections.
The move aims to counter Republican gerrymandering in other states and protect Virginia's six of eleven U.S. House seats.
The amendment must pass again in 2026 and then receive voter approval.
Republicans criticize the proposal as undermining the bipartisan redistricting commission and voter intent.
The outcome of Virginia's upcoming elections will determine the amendment's fate.

History

Historical Context

The 2015 Supreme Court ruling in Arizona State Legislature v. Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission affirmed states' rights to use independent commissions for congressional redistricting, impacting partisan gerrymandering practices. Following this, Virginia's Democratic-led legislature passed a constitutional amendment in 2020 to establish a bipartisan redistricting commission, aiming to mitigate partisan manipulation and reshape electoral dynamics in the state.

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Story summary

Virginia's Democratic-led legislature advances a constitutional amendment to allow mid-decade congressional redistricting before 2026 elections.
The move aims to counter Republican gerrymandering in other states and protect Virginia's six of eleven U.S. House seats.
The amendment must pass again in 2026 and then receive voter approval.
Republicans criticize the proposal as undermining the bipartisan redistricting commission and voter intent.
The outcome of Virginia's upcoming elections will determine the amendment's fate.

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