Virginia voters handed a narrow victory to Democrats by approving a ballot measure that lets the Democratic-led legislature bypass the state’s bipartisan redistricting commission and redraw congressional districts before this year’s midterms. The Associated Press called the race for the “yes” side, which led by nearly three percentage points with about 95% of results reported.
The proposed map could increase Democratic representation from six seats to as many as 10 of Virginia’s 11 congressional districts — a four-seat swing that would bolster Democratic hopes of retaking the U.S. House this fall. The special redistricting question drew heavy advertising and mixed polling, and many voters were reportedly confused before the final, close result.
The outcome is part of a wider national battle over congressional maps. Last year, former President Trump pushed for additional Republican-favoring seats in Texas, while California voters approved plans that added Democratic-leaning seats, offsetting some GOP gains. Republicans made advances in Missouri and North Carolina after redistricting; Virginia’s vote now diminishes some of that momentum.
Legal fights are likely. The Virginia Supreme Court has not yet ruled on challenges to the redistricting move, and litigation could prevent any new districts from being used this election cycle. Former Republicans Jason Miyares and Eric Cantor, co-chairs of Virginians for Fair Maps, said those “disenfranchised by today’s vote will have their day in court.” Supporters, including Kéren Charles Dongo of Virginians for Fair Elections, called the result a corrective to attempts they said would rig maps.
Florida is poised to join the national tug-of-war: Gov. Ron DeSantis has called a special legislative session later this month seeking new maps that would favor Republicans. Florida lawmakers plan to act without a voter referendum, despite a 2010 ballot amendment that bars drawing maps to advantage one party.