The Virginia Supreme Court on Friday struck down a redistricting ballot measure that voters narrowly approved in April, ruling that the amendment process was improperly used for a legislative act and that the measure violated the state constitution’s prohibition on special legislation. The decision nullifies the results of the April 21 vote and removes a potential path for Democrats to gain additional U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterm elections.
The measure, which passed with a slim majority, would have redrawn Virginia’s congressional districts. According to NPR, Democrats said the new map could have helped them pick up as many as four House seats, describing it as a counter to gains Republicans have made through redistricting in other states. CNBC reported that the redistricting push was seen as an opportunity for Democrats to gain up to four seats in the upcoming midterms.
The court’s ruling held that the proposed amendment constituted special legislation, which is barred by the state constitution, and that the amendment process could not be used to enact a detailed redistricting plan. The court stated that the measure was “not a proper subject for a constitutional amendment” because it was a legislative act that should have been passed through the General Assembly.
Reaction from Democratic officials included criticism of the ruling. The Federalist, a right-leaning outlet, characterized the plan as a “Democrat gerrymander” and reported that the court’s decision blocked what it described as an attempt to tilt the state’s congressional delegation in favor of Democrats. The outlet’s coverage highlighted the partisan implications of the ruling.
Republicans had opposed the measure, arguing that it would unfairly benefit Democrats. The court’s decision was celebrated by Republican leaders, who said the ruling upheld constitutional principles. Democrats expressed disappointment, with some noting that the voter-approved measure had been overturned by the judiciary.
The ruling is the latest development in ongoing redistricting battles across the country, where both parties have sought to gain advantage through the drawing of congressional maps. With the Virginia measure invalidated, the state’s current district lines remain in place, and any future changes would need to originate in the legislature or through a different legal mechanism.
No calificamos la verdad. Eliminamos el sesgo y te mostramos qué perspectivas cubrieron la historia. Tú decides.
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