Virginia Voters to Decide on Mid-Decade Redistricting Plan for U.S. House Districts

S. House districts. The plan, approved by state lawmakers, could enable Democrats to gain up to four more seats in the chamber, according to party estimates. This comes amid a national trend of states redrawing districts outside the typical decennial cycle following the census.

The proposed constitutional amendment would allow the use of new congressional districts passed by the legislature this year, bypassing the state's bipartisan redistricting commission. S. House seats, with Democrats holding six under districts imposed by the state Supreme Court in 2021 after the commission failed to agree on a map.

The initiative follows actions in other states prompted by President Donald Trump's encouragement to Texas Republicans to redraw districts last year, aiming to add GOP seats. Republicans estimate potential gains of up to nine seats in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio from recent redistrictings.

Democrats estimate gains of up to five seats in California, where voters approved a similar measure last November, and one in Utah under court-imposed districts. In Virginia, Democrats gained control of the state House and the governor's office last year.

The new plan would adjust districts, including five in northern Virginia, revisions in Richmond, southern Virginia, and Hampton Roads, and a western district combining college towns.

from Officials Former Virginia Gov.

" House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that approving the redraw "will serve as a check and balance on this out-of-control Trump administration" and expected a close vote. The state Supreme Court is considering the case, which could nullify the referendum results if it upholds the lower court's decision.

Lawmakers endorsed the amendment last fall and passed it again in January, followed by approval of the new map in February pending the vote. Ads supporting the measure have featured former President Barack Obama.

Similar redistricting efforts are ongoing, including a special session in Florida scheduled for April 28 that could favor Republicans. S. House majority in the upcoming elections. Six years ago, Virginia voters approved an amendment to shift redistricting from the legislature to a bipartisan commission to reduce partisan influence.