Virginia Democrats Advance Redistricting Process Change

Virginia lawmakers convened a special legislative session starting Monday to consider mid-decade congressional redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Democratic leaders, who control the state legislature despite Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, advanced a procedural resolution in the House (50–42) to allow consideration of a constitutional amendment to change the state’s congressional redistricting process. Republicans and some GOP candidates called the move a last-minute power grab that injects uncertainty into Virginia’s closely watched governor’s race and has disrupted campaigns. Opponents argue the proposal would undermine the bipartisan redistricting commission created by a 2020 amendment and could require voter approval. Democrats say the proposal is a needed option to respond to Republican-led redraws elsewhere and could net them two to three of Virginia’s 11 U.S. House seats. The effort has raised partisan alarms about timing, legality and impacts on minority representation as lawmakers rush to act ahead of upcoming elections.