The Supreme Court of Virginia just cleared the way for a statewide referendum that could fundamentally reshape the state’s congressional map and instantly eliminate any existing GOP advantage. This ruling means the Virginia General Assembly can move forward with a plan to draw four new Democratic-leaning congressional districts, though the ultimate fate of this entire effort still hangs in the balance pending future court review.
This is a huge deal because it means the state’s high court is allowing the referendum to proceed while the legal appeal is still underway. The referendum seeks to amend the Virginia Constitution temporarily, allowing for mid-decade redistricting in time for the congressional midterm elections this fall. Previously, a circuit judge in rural Tazewell County had blocked the statewide vote last month, but the Democrats appealed that decision.
