VA Court Strikes Down Democrat Redistricting Plan

A Virginia circuit court judge has blocked certification of a voter-approved redistricting referendum, throwing into doubt a plan that could significantly boost Democrats’ representation in Congress.

Judge Jack Hurley ruled that the referendum was unconstitutional, citing procedural failures in how the amendment was advanced. The decision came one day after voters narrowly approved the measure, which would allow new congressional maps drawn by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly.

The ruling immediately halts implementation of the plan and is expected to be appealed. Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones said his office would challenge the decision, arguing that the court should not override the will of voters.

Republicans welcomed the ruling, pointing to multiple legal challenges already working through the courts. Critics of the referendum argue lawmakers failed to follow required constitutional steps, including properly timing legislative approval and meeting publication requirements before the election.

The redistricting plan is part of a broader national battle over congressional maps ahead of the midterm elections. Democrats say the measure is needed to counter Republican-led redistricting efforts in other states, while Republicans argue it amounts to partisan gerrymandering.

If upheld, the new map could expand Democrats’ advantage in Virginia’s congressional delegation from a narrow edge to as many as 10 of the state’s 11 seats.

The case is expected to move quickly through the appeals process, with a final decision likely to come from the Virginia Supreme Court.