Story perspectives

Virginia Democrats Appeal Supreme Court Over Lost 10-District Map

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Virginia Democrats filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court after the state Supreme Court struck down a voter-approved amendment.
Democrats say the state court misinterpreted federal election law when it struck down an amendment that would have given them ten of Virginia’s eleven congressional districts, adding four seats to the current six-five delegation.
Chief Justice John Roberts will consider the request after election officials must finalize ballots by May 28.

History

Historical Context

In June 2019 the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, held that partisan gerrymandering claims are non-justiciable. Justice Elena Kagan dissented, warning that the ruling abandons the Court’s role in protecting fair elections. The Virginia case challenging a map that would give Democrats ten of eleven districts relies on that precedent and could revive federal oversight of partisan maps.

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Story summary

Virginia Democrats filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court after the state Supreme Court struck down a voter-approved amendment.
Democrats say the state court misinterpreted federal election law when it struck down an amendment that would have given them ten of Virginia’s eleven congressional districts, adding four seats to the current six-five delegation.
Chief Justice John Roberts will consider the request after election officials must finalize ballots by May 28.

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