Virginia Democrats to Redraw State’s Congressional Maps

Virginia Democratic lawmakers are initiating a plan to redraw congressional maps, aiming to enhance their party’s standing ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. This unexpected development occurs amid an intense redistricting battle across the United States.

Redistricting Efforts in Virginia

On Thursday, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott announced that the special legislative session from May 2024 would reopen next Monday. This session focuses on developing new congressional maps, utilizing a loophole in state law. Under Virginia law, only the governor, currently Republican Glenn Youngkin, can convene such a session.

Democrats’ Strategy

Scott emphasized that the House would convene to discuss matters relevant to the ongoing 2024 Special Session I. This approach allows Democrats, who hold narrow majorities in both legislative chambers, to pursue redistricting without direct gubernatorial approval.

• Big Push: Virginia Democrats seek new maps following Republican actions in other states.
• Timing: Less than two weeks before significant statewide elections.
• Goal: Increase the party’s congressional representation.

Political Context and Reactions

Mandara Meyers, executive director of The States Project, noted that Virginia’s actions may be a response to aggressive gerrymandering seen in states like North Carolina and Texas. House Majority Leader Scott Surovell declined to comment on the situation, while the Democratic campaign for Abigail Spanberger did not provide feedback on the redistricting plan.

In contrast, Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears criticized the Democrats, labeling their actions as desperate. Earle-Sears’ campaign spokesperson stated, “With just 12 days until Election Day, they seem to have abandoned real conversations with voters.”

Virginia’s Political Landscape

Currently, Democrats control six out of eleven congressional districts in Virginia. This effort marks the second mid-decade redistricting attempt by the party, following California’s push for a new map expected to boost Democratic representation by up to five seats.

Challenges Ahead

To follow through, Virginia lawmakers must navigate the state’s constitutional requirements. An amendment demands both legislative chambers approve a measure twice with a general state House election in between. If successful, Democrats could bypass the established redistricting commission.

• Tight Timeline: Just eight calendar days to advance a resolution.
• Future Process: A second attempt would depend on maintaining control of the legislature post-elections.

Terry Kilgore, minority leader in the Virginia House, criticized the Democrats’ maneuver as a power grab. He highlighted that voters supported an independent redistricting commission just five years ago.

In broader national terms, similar strategies have emerged, with former President Donald Trump encouraging Republicans in states like Kansas and Indiana to redraw maps, reinforcing the GOP’s slim majority in the House. Virginia’s upcoming actions will certainly be closely watched within this larger context of political strategy and redistricting.