Virginia voters approved a mid-decade redistricting referendum that would allow Democrats to redraw the state’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The measure passed with 51.5 percent support and 48.5 percent opposition, representing approximately 97 percent of the vote count.
The legislation empowers Virginia’s state legislature to temporarily reconfigure congressional districts, a shift expected to grant Democrats a projected 10-1 advantage over Republicans in the state’s congressional delegation—currently composed of six Democrats and five Republicans. Under the recently enacted constitutional amendment, this mid-decade redistricting will either be abandoned or adopted permanently after the 2030 census, bypassing Virginia’s standard requirement for redistricting every decade through a bipartisan commission.
Opponents have raised concerns about procedural validity. McGlennon noted that while the Virginia Supreme Court permitted the referendum to proceed, it has yet to rule on a lower-court appeal challenging the vote. The state high court holds precedent to annul election results if constitutional or legal violations are identified.
“They could still throw a wrench in the plans,” McGlennon stated regarding potential judicial intervention. He also indicated that Republicans might seek U.S. Supreme Court review, though he acknowledged the chamber has previously upheld redistricting decisions in Texas and California.
With the map redrawn, Democrats now face translating this legislative change into electoral gains. McGlennon emphasized that while the party has shown strength in recent special elections, it must clarify its platform to voters ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Former Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin criticized the referendum outcome: “Thank you to all the voters who turned out to vote against this egregious power grab. The race was much closer than the left expected because Virginians know a 10-1 map is not Virginia.” He urged the Virginia Supreme Court to rule against what he called an unconstitutional process that would disenfranchise millions of Virginians.
Former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II, who also served in the state Senate, declared: “The ‘yes’ vote has won Va’s redistricting referendum—but the legal fight is just beginning. Four constitutional challenges are now teed up.” He outlined three specific arguments against the amendment: that its initial passage was invalid; that an election must occur between first and second passages of the measure; and that insufficient time elapsed between final approval and voting.
Cuccinelli also cited a state statute requiring electoral districts to be contiguous and compact, arguing the new maps violate this requirement. “Next stop, court. Stay tuned,” he added.