Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment on Tuesday that adopts a new congressional district map favoring Democrats 10-1, potentially adding up to four House seats for the party. The measure aims to counter Republican gerrymanders in other states. Republicans have filed a legal challenge claiming procedural flaws.
Voters in Virginia passed the amendment proposed by Democratic lawmakers, shifting from a previous nonpartisan redistricting committee to a map with a strong Democratic tilt. Officials noted the change offsets Republican gains from mid-decade gerrymanders in red states like Texas, following President Donald Trump's encouragement ahead of the 2026 midterms. The new map could secure up to four additional seats for Democrats in the House of Representatives. The Supreme Court's 2019 Rucho v. Common Cause decision declined federal intervention in partisan gerrymandering, leaving such matters to states, as Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the 5-4 majority. In 2021, Democrats in Congress proposed a national ban on partisan gerrymandering, which Republicans rejected unanimously. Republicans contend the Virginia General Assembly violated state constitutional procedures. The legislature first approved the amendment on October 31, 2025, before the November 4 general election, and passed it again after the new assembly convened in January 2026. Former Attorney General Jason Miyares argued early voting made the timing invalid, requiring approval before a 2027 election. Current Attorney General Jay Jones rejected that view, stating the process complied with the constitution's definition of the election date. A Republican-appointed judge blocked certification of the results, but the Virginia Supreme Court previously overruled a similar pre-election block and has scheduled a hearing next week.
