Virginia judge blocks Democrats' referendum, a blow to redistricting effort over 4 U.S. House seats - AP News
AP News
February 19, 2026
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A Virginia judge has halted a referendum supported by Democrats aimed at influencing redistricting for four U.S. House seats. This decision significantly impacts the state's political landscape, affecting efforts to reshape voting districts ahead of the 2024 elections. The ruling underscores challenges faced by Democrats in implementing fair and effective district plans, potentially hindering their strategy to gain a competitive edge in these key seats.
The referendum sought to replace outdated maps that were invalidated due to partisan gerrymandering. Previous attempts at redistricting led to legal battles, with the 2011 maps being struck down for favoring Republicans. In response, Democrats pushed for fairer districts, but their proposal faced opposition from Republicans and independent voters who argued it violated state law. The judge's decision to block the referendum highlights ongoing tensions over balancing voter representation and political influence.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/19/2026