Full Breakdown
Virginia Redistricting Referendum Faces Court Battles Ahead of Midterms
4/27/2026, 8:42:47 PM
Core Event: Court Decisions on the New Congressional Map
Richmond Circuit Court Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland rejected the RNC request to block the redistricting referendum, finding the map constitutional. Earlier, Tazewell County Judge Jack Hurley ordered the referendum “ineffective” over notice violations and a misleading ballot.
Background
The 2020 amendment created a bipartisan commission for districting. In 2023 Democratic-controlled General Assembly passed a new map and, via a special session, placed a constitutional amendment on the ballot, which voters approved by three points. Virginia Supreme Court scheduled oral arguments on the amendment’s procedural validity. Participants include Judges Thorne-Begland and Hurley, Attorney General Jay Jones, RNC Chair Joe Gruters, professor Cayce Myers, and political scientist Maxwell Palmer.
Impact
Virginia’s delegation is six Democrats, five Republicans. New map projects ten Democratic-leaning seats and one Republican-leaning seat, creating up to four Democratic pickups in November. Districts are less compact than the prior map. If upheld, shift could swing delegation toward Democrats and affect national midterm balance; a reversal would preserve the 6-5 split.
Official
Attorney General Jay Jones said state will appeal, asserting “Virginia voters have spoken.” RNC called the amendment an “unconstitutional scheme” to tilt districts. Virginia Supreme Court has not ruled on merits. President Barack Obama and Gov. Abigail Spanberger supported the referendum as a check on Republican redistricting.
Opposition
Republicans argue amendment bypassed legislative approvals, violated a 90-day public-notice rule, and was “flagrantly misleading.” Their lawsuit calls map a partisan gerrymander that “rips Commonwealth into pieces,” citing lack of compactness as manipulation.
Conflicts
Reduced compactness is deemed insufficient for injunction; Republicans argue lack of compactness makes map unconstitutional. Hurley’s order focuses on procedural flaws, while Supreme Court’s decision will decide if flaws invalidate amendment. No source offers final ruling.
Quotes
- “This Court knows its role is clear. It is not to assess the wisdom of public policy nor to engage in policy making from the bench.” — Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland
- “Virginia voters have spoken, and an activist judge should not have veto power over the People’s vote.” — Attorney General Jay Jones
- “If the court were find that the process was not done correctly, that does overturn an election in which a majority of people voted a particular way.” — Professor Cayce Myers
- “Democrats attempted to force an unconstitutional scheme to tilt congressional maps in their favor, but the court recognized it for what it is — a blatant power grab.” — RNC Chair Joe Gruters
Future
Virginia Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the amendment’s procedural validity next week. Both parties are prepared to appeal, and lawsuits are expected regardless of outcome.
