Virginia’s Top Court Clears Path for Democratic Push to Redraw House Map

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by Tim Balk

February 13, 2026

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The Virginia Supreme Court has cleared the way for a spring referendum that could allow Democrats to redraw the state’s congressional map before the 2026 midterm elections. This decision enables Virginians to vote on a constitutional amendment in April, which is necessary for lawmakers to implement a new redistricting plan. Democrats, who currently hold six of Virginia’s 11 House seats, aim to create eight safely Democratic districts and two leaning Democrat, leaving Republicans with just one safe seat. The court’s ruling came after a lower court had previously blocked the referendum, citing concerns about its scheduling near upcoming elections. The redistricting effort has been contentious, with Republicans suing to stop it. They argue that the referendum was improperly set and scheduled too close to the elections. Democrats, however, view the court’s decision as a victory for voter sovereignty. Dan Gottlieb of Virginians for Fair Elections called the ruling a defeat for those seeking to suppress voters’ voices. The pro-redistricting group has already begun airing TV ads urging Virginians to support the referendum, with early voting starting on March 6. The April 21 vote marks a significant step in Virginia’s ongoing gerrymandering battle, which has national implications. Democrats hope the new map will help them gain seats in Congress, while Republicans remain confident they can both overturn the redistricting plan and win the referendum. The case highlights the broader struggle over who controls election rules and district boundaries, a key issue in U.S. politics. This decision matters because it could shift political power in Virginia—and potentially influence the balance of Congress. If Democrats succeed in their redistricting efforts, they could gain a stronger foothold in the House, impacting policy debates and legislative priorities. The outcome also underscores the ongoing partisan battles over election laws and gerrymandering, which continue to shape

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/13/2026