JUST IN: Court Smacks Down Dems’ Redistricting Push In Key State

A Virginia judge on Tuesday ruled that Democrat-led efforts to radically redraw the state’s congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections is invalid.

Tazewell Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley Jr. issued a ruling declaring a proposed constitutional amendment by the Virginia General Assembly, which advanced out of committee earlier this week, was invalid.

Democrats had advanced the effort after securing control of the state legislature, as well as the governor’s mansion, in last year’s elections. Democrat lawmakers introduced a resolution during a special session to propose a constitutional amendment, which would have authorized the legislature to redraw congressional districts ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Under the proposed map, Democrats would have controlled 10 of the district’s 11 U.S. House seats. The move was heavily criticized by state and national Republicans, as nearly 50 percent of Virginia voters supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

Under the current maps, Virginia’s delegation is balanced at 6-5, reflecting the state’s competitive political environment.

Judge Hurley’s decision invalidated the resolution on procedural grounds. He cited three issues: the legislature did not follow its own rules for including the amendment in the special session agenda; the amendment was not approved before voting began in the previous general election; and it was not published for public notice three months prior to that election, as required by state law.

This followed an earlier, January 13, ruling by the same court denying a Republican request for an emergency injunction to block the process, citing separation of powers and the need to review final actions rather than ongoing proceedings.

The case was brought by Republican legislators challenging the amendment’s validity.

Tuesday’s ruling prevents the proposed amendment from advancing to a voter referendum, meaning no mid-decade redistricting will occur under this initiative. Elections in November 2026 will proceed using the existing maps drawn after the 2020 Census.

Supporters of the amendment, including the group Virginians for Fair Elections, have indicated plans to appeal the decision. If successful, an appeal could revive the process, potentially leading to new maps before the 2026 elections.

Democrats will be working on a tight timetable, however, as primary elections and candidate filings would need adjustment.

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