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Virginia's New Map: Eight Safe Democratic Seats Approved

4/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Virginia proposed congressional map for the 2024 election would create eight safe Democratic districts and two competitive ones, per a New York Times analysis.
Democratic state legislators and Governor Abigail Spanberger approved the plan to reduce Republican representation from five to one seat.
The map moves Democratic voters from Arlington and Fairfax Counties into five districts, including a lobster-claw–shaped Seventh District attracting several Virginia Democrats who are already campaigning.

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Story summary

The Virginia proposed congressional map for the 2024 election would create eight safe Democratic districts and two competitive ones, per a New York Times analysis.
Democratic state legislators and Governor Abigail Spanberger approved the plan to reduce Republican representation from five to one seat.
The map moves Democratic voters from Arlington and Fairfax Counties into five districts, including a lobster-claw–shaped Seventh District attracting several Virginia Democrats who are already campaigning.