Virginia judge blocks Democrats’ redistricting referendum
The Hill
by Julia MuellerFebruary 20, 2026
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A Virginia judge dealt a significant setback to Democrats' redistricting efforts on Thursday by blocking an April 21 referendum while the case remains in court. Tazewell County Circuit Judge Jack Hurley Jr. granted a motion filed by the Republican National Committee, which argued that the timing and phrasing of the ballot measure were improper. This decision further complicates Democrats' plans to redraw voting districts ahead of the 2024 elections, as they had hoped to use the referendum to bypass state lawmakers who have repeatedly blocked redistricting bills.
The judge's ruling comes after years of legal battles over redistricting in Virginia. Democrats had sought to amend the state constitution to create an independent redistricting commission, a move they believed would ensure fairer representation and reduce partisan gerrymandering. However, Republicans have consistently opposed this effort, arguing that it undermines their control over the redistricting process and risks creating unfair advantages for Democrats.
The case highlights the ongoing political and legal struggles over voting rights and district maps in Virginia. Both parties are deeply divided on how to approach redistricting, with Democrats pushing for reforms they claim would make
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/20/2026