Story perspectives

Virginia Court Approves Map Adding Four Democratic Seats, Trump Decries

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Virginia circuit court ruled General Assembly could enact redistricting amendment and did not block map, while Virginia Supreme Court suspended an order voiding amendment.
Republican plaintiffs argued the amendment exceeded legislative power and broke compactness rules, but the judge found claims unlikely to succeed.
The February referendum map could add four Democratic House seats, with President Donald Trump calling the referendum unconstitutional and alleging cheating, and the Supreme Court scheduling arguments.

History

Historical Context

Congress passed the Voting Rights Act in 1965, giving the Justice Department preclearance power renewed for 25 years in 2006. The 2013 Shelby County v. Holder ruling voided the coverage formula, letting states redraw districts without federal review; by October 2025 the Supreme Court was hearing new VRA arguments as Virginia’s legislature considers a referendum that could add four House seats, a move backed by President Trump.

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Story summary

Virginia circuit court ruled General Assembly could enact redistricting amendment and did not block map, while Virginia Supreme Court suspended an order voiding amendment.
Republican plaintiffs argued the amendment exceeded legislative power and broke compactness rules, but the judge found claims unlikely to succeed.
The February referendum map could add four Democratic House seats, with President Donald Trump calling the referendum unconstitutional and alleging cheating, and the Supreme Court scheduling arguments.

1 / 2