Virginia Democrats Begin Redrawing State’s Congressional Map
Virginia Democratic lawmakers are advancing a significant initiative to redraw the state’s congressional map ahead of the 2024 midterm elections. On Friday, the Virginia state Senate passed a constitutional amendment that allows the Legislature to create new maps under specific circumstances, bypassing the established redistricting commission approved by voters just five years ago.
Context and Legislative Process
The proposed amendment was previously approved by the state House on Wednesday. Virginia Democrats aim to redo the congressional map, which currently reflects a Republican advantage. This effort requires the amendment to pass twice through the Legislature, with a voter election in between.
- The first legislative vote occurred in a crucial lead-up to Tuesday’s elections.
- This election could pivot control of key statewide offices, including the governorship, and all 100 state House seats.
Next Steps for Virginia Democrats
Should the amendment clear both legislative sessions, it will then go before voters for final approval. If secured, Democrats would expedite the creation of new maps, aiming to finalize these changes before the 2026 elections. A successful election on November 4 is critical for the Democrats to advance the amendment in a second legislative session.
Implications for Congressional Representation
Currently, Democrats hold six of Virginia’s eleven congressional districts. Strategically, they could redraw the map to create two or three additional Democratic-leaning districts. The existing congressional lines were designed by special masters appointed by the Virginia Supreme Court after the 2021 election cycle ended without consensus from the redistricting commission.
Public Sentiment and Opposition
More than 65% of Virginia voters supported the creation of the redistricting commission in the 2020 elections. Democrats argue that the recent redistricting efforts by Republican-led states necessitate their maneuver. Republican critics contend that these changes undermine the will of the voters, with state Senator Glen Sturtevant accusing Democrats of a power grab during an election period.
Responses from Lawmakers
State Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg, a proponent of the existing redistricting commission, defended the amendment. He emphasized that the goal is not to eliminate fair maps but to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process against external pressures from national figures.
The initiative in Virginia reflects broader trends in the national redistricting landscape. Similar efforts are underway in states like California, Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina, where lawmakers are navigating their own redistricting processes amidst a politically charged environment.
As the situation unfolds, the Virginia legislative actions will be watched closely for their potential impact on the balance of power in upcoming elections.
