RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — On Thursday, Virginia Democrats announced a proposed U.S. House map designed to secure four additional seats for their party. This initiative forms part of their strategy to counteract former President Donald Trump's redistricting efforts, particularly in light of ongoing legal challenges that cast doubt on the feasibility of using this map for the upcoming midterm elections.
The proposed map seeks to weaken Republican dominance in Virginia's more conservative regions while enhancing Democrats' prospects in districts they are confident they can flip. If successful, this change could also provide Democrats across the nation with a strategic advantage in the redistricting contest leading up to the November elections.
However, in January, a Virginia judge ruled that the Democrats’ proposed constitutional amendment, which aimed to reshape the state’s U.S. House district lines, was illegal. This ruling proved to be a significant setback for Democrats, who had planned to present the amendment for voter approval in a referendum scheduled for April. Democrats are currently appealing the decision, which is expected to arrive at the state Supreme Court.
Presently, Virginia’s U.S. House composition includes six Democrats and five Republicans, a configuration established by a court after a bipartisan legislative commission was unable to reach a consensus on a map following the 2020 census. Earlier on the same day, leading Democratic legislators revealed that their proposed map would be designed in a way that ideally allows Democrats to secure 10 out of the 11 available congressional seats. Data attached to the online proposal suggests this outcome is plausible based on results from recent elections. A congressional primary is on the calendar for June.
Virginia Republicans have dismissed the Democrats' attempts to redraw the House map. They highlight a recent multi-year effort in Virginia to create fair maps. In 2020, voters approved a constitutional change aimed at ending gerrymandering by forming a redistricting commission. Democratic officials argue that redistricting is essential to balance the political landscape, especially in response to Trump’s previous redistricting strategies in Republican-ruled states like Texas.
State Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas commented, “These are not ordinary times, and Virginia will not sit on the sidelines while it happens. We made a promise to level the playing field, and today we’re keeping our promise.”
Across the country, the redistricting battles have already resulted in an increase of nine seats that Republicans believe they can win in states such as Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio. Simultaneously, Democrats are optimistic about securing six additional seats in California and Utah. Virginia Democrats see their efforts as crucial to recapturing a three-seat deficit.
Mike Young, representing Virginians for Fair Maps—a Republican-leaning group against the proposed redraw—described the plan as “an illegal, hyper-partisan gerrymander drawn in backrooms hidden from the public,” criticizing it as lacking common sense. With ongoing litigation regarding redistricting initiatives in multiple states, there is no assurance that the manipulated districts will yield the expected electoral gains for either party.
While Virginia’s redistricting endeavors face challenges, in Maryland, lawmakers have progressed with a new map which could potentially allow Democrats to unseat the state’s only House Republican. Democratic Governor Wes Moore has personally urged legislative action on this front, but obstacles remain regarding the implementation of such a map.
By addressing these changes and challenges, Virginia's political landscape continues to evolve, highlighting the contentious nature of redistricting as both parties vie for control ahead of the midterm elections.
